Noah Graham/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures
The Golden State Warriors are shifting ahead Jonathan Kuminga to the bench Tuesday towards the New Orleans Pelicans, per ESPN’s Shams Charania and Kendra Andrews.
Charania additionally provided some extra context alongside the transfer:
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
The Warriors are shifting F Jonathan Kuminga to bench tonight vs. Pelicans, sources inform me and @kendra__andrews. Intriguing growth in a fourth season when no extension was full for either side and group has mentioned setting him as much as take the following step. pic.twitter.com/RxYOq3nuuj
Kuminga is coming into the final year of his contract and can enter restricted free company in 2025.
Danny Emerman of Bay Space Information Group bought phrase from the 22-year-old in response to the transfer. He apparently hadn’t heard but from head coach Steve Kerr earlier than including extra remarks.
This is not the primary time Kuminga has had some points behind a benching. Taylor Wirth of NBC Sports activities Bay Space offered perception final February:
“Kuminga was benched for the remaining 18 minutes of the Warriors’ 130-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 4 at Chase Middle after scoring 16 factors in 18:57 on the court docket, a choice that did not sit properly with Golden State followers and the previous lottery decide alike.
“The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported the next day that Kuminga had “misplaced religion” in Kerr and that his benching towards the Nuggets was “the straw that broke the camel’s again.”
“Sensing his younger star’s rising frustration, Kerr invited Kuminga into his workplace for a chat later that week, Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer reported in his newest characteristic story.”
It has been a tough three-game begin for Kuminga, who has averaged simply 8.0 factors on 33.3 p.c capturing in 19.7 minutes.
Kerr does not appear involved concerning the begin, although.
Warriors on NBCS @NBCSWarriors
Steve Kerr spoke earlier than tonight’s sport about Jonathan Kuminga’s play throughout the Warriors’ first three contests pic.twitter.com/EjOd7ZVGwp
Final 12 months, Kuminga loved a great season with 16.1 factors on 52.9 p.c capturing and 4.8 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per sport. So clearly, he is able to higher play. And as Kerr mentioned, three video games is a small pattern dimension.
However nonetheless, it seems there may be some type of situation, given the way in which Kuminga reacted and the obvious lack of communication on the matter. Golden State of Thoughts had this to say:
Golden State of Thoughts @unstoppablebaby
Kuminga must be OK together with his function altering, however the Warriors additionally have gotten to speak with their gamers earlier than they impart with the media. https://t.co/pqqNSn4Mqi
The choice to bench Kuminga can also be an fascinating one contemplating the Warriors have been shorthanded going into the night time sans Stephen Curry, De’Anthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins on account of damage.
The Warriors began Curry, Wiggins, Kuminga, Draymond Inexperienced and Trayce Jackson-Davis for the primary three video games. That is who the group determined to roll with towards the Pels:
Golden State Warriors @warriors
First 5⃣ pic.twitter.com/HknIG8TkKh
Golden State began the season 2-1, with wins towards the Portland Path Blazers (140-104) and Utah Jazz (127-86) and a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers (112-104).
