Warriors Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga's Development Under Kerr Was 'a Source of Tension'

As Jonathan Kuminga emerges as a key player for the Golden State Warriors in their attempt to make the playoffs this season, his overall development since being drafted in 2021 led to some issues behind the scenes for the organization.

Per ESPN's Baxter Holmes, Kuminga's "development—or the lack thereof—had become a source of tension inside the organization," particularly related to head coach Steve Kerr's ability to trust in younger players.

One Warriors source told Holmes that Kerr isn't hesitant to play anyone, but he wants to make sure they are "ready to play the way that we play, which is unique."

Holmes also cited another team source as saying, "players who succeed in Kerr's read-and-react system, which is built around Curry, require a combination of instinct, competitiveness and processing speed. When the Warriors were at the peak of their dynasty, the source said, the team could afford to gamble on players who weren't ideal fits because the team was good enough to win anyway."

There doesn't appear to be any lingering issues between Kuminga and Kerr at this point.

"It definitely took Steve a long time to get on the boat, but it seems like he's on the boat," one source close to the team told Holmes. "Things are good now."

Kuminga was open earlier this season about being unhappy with having an inconsistent role on the team.

The Athletic's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported on Jan. 5 that Kuminga "lost faith" in Kerr after he sat on the bench for the final 18 minutes of a loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Kerr spoke about the report prior to the Warriors game against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 5:

There seemed to be a breakthrough for Kuminga and Kerr after that point. Kuminga is averaging 20.6 points on 56.9 percent shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 18 appearances since Jan. 7. He started each of the last 11 games prior to the All-Star break.

Kerr hasn't been shy about giving the Warriors young players an opportunity this season as he's been trying to find ways to get this team on track. Rookie Brandin Podziemski is one of seven players on the team playing at least 25 minutes per game.

Klay Thompson came off the bench in the final game before the All-Star break. It was his first time coming off the bench in a game since March 11, 2012.

The Warriors entered the break having won eight of their last 10 games. They will open the post-All-Star break schedule with three straight home games, beginning on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers.