SAN FRANCISCO — In the 24 hours between Jonathan Kuminga’s 33-point, career-high performance against the Houston Rockets on Thursday night and Friday’s 107-90 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the ground-level decision-makers within the Golden State Warriors made a pretty monumental choice.
At least for the near future, Kuminga is now the Warriors’ starting power forward as Draymond Green moves to the bench, opening a clearer runway for Kuminga to get more minutes and a higher-usage offensive role to see what exactly they have in the fourth-year wing.
“A lot of people in this organization, including myself, think he’s next,” Green said. “So, if he’s next, at some point, we gotta see it. For him to do that, he needs the opportunity. If the opportunity falls on you — being me — then, that’s what it is. You gotta figure it out. He’s earned the right to get that opportunity.”
Draymond Green on his move to the bench to elevate Jonathan Kuminga
“A lot of people in this organization including myself think he is next. So if he is next, at some point we gotta see it.” pic.twitter.com/C229PUoD49
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 7, 2024
Steve Kerr counseled with Steph Curry and called Green before giving the ultimate green light. But it was Kerr’s choice, and his rationale was layered. He wants to create an environment to “maximize” Kuminga and let Green “organize” the second unit while also ensuring Green doesn’t “wear down.”
Like last season, Kerr could start Kuminga at power forward and Green at center in a small-ball look, but Kerr said the Warriors don’t want to force Green to guard centers to open every game. Kevon Looney will handle the bruising opening shift at center each half.
“I think that’s important,” Kerr said. “Then, we can close with Draymond at the (center). In theory, I like what that looks like. But we have to play better.”
The offense was stuck in mud Friday night against a sharp, long, active Timberwolves defense. The Warriors scored 15 points in the second quarter and 18 in the final period. They had three separate scoreless droughts of six minutes, four minutes and four minutes before finishing with 90 points.
Kuminga labored through a 13-point night, shooting 6 of 15. Nobody scored or shot well. Andrew Wiggins left with a right ankle issue. Moses Moody left with right knee soreness. Both injuries are expected to be minor.
“We’ll see what happens with Wiggs and Moses,” Kerr said. “Every injury affects every rotation. But the idea is we are trying to make the most of Jonathan’s ability to get downhill, to get him more time. We’re searching for ways to get (Kuminga and Wiggins) more involved and not wear down Draymond and Steph. That’s kind of the trick. Then, finding combinations within that.”
That has led to the temporary choice to elevate Kuminga above Green in the starting lineup, which should give Kuminga more on-ball playmaking duties with opportunities to use Looney and Curry as the screener in pick-and-roll actions.
“We’re a different team than we’ve been the last three years,” Curry said. “The experimental phase of trying to unlock new looks, new go-to sets, put the ball in his hands, it’s time for that for sure.”
Steph Curry on Jonathan Kuminga: “The experimental phase of trying to unlock new looks, new go-to sets, put the ball in his hands, it’s time for that for sure.” pic.twitter.com/ufOLQsp92f
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 7, 2024
Green was once behind David Lee in the Warriors’ pecking order. Lee got hurt. Green entered the starting lineup. He played so well that Lee never grabbed his spot back. Green referenced that while accepting his reassignment on Friday night.
“I have been one of JK’s biggest fans since he’s been here,” Green said. “So, if he has an opportunity to start, you can’t be hypocritical if they’re like ‘Yo, we want him to start, but it will be for you.’ You can’t be like, ‘It’s not for me. That doesn’t work.’ If his opportunity goes through me, then it is what it is. That’s his opportunity. He earned the opportunity. That’s kind of how I view it.”
Everything remains extremely fluid for the Warriors. Green might be back in the starting lineup within the week and almost certainly will be starting at the more pressing moments of this evolving season, perhaps at center next to Kuminga. But this still felt like a monumental night in this transition phase of the franchise.
“He played extremely well last night,” Green said. “You want to give that another look or two or three or four or however long. If it works, continue with it. So, yeah, that’s kind of my rationale for me. I am a product of my vet willing to take a back seat for me. So, you got to give back what came to you. That’s what it’s about.”
Does Green view this as taking a back seat?
“I’m sure I’ll close most halves,” Green said. “But not starting is not starting. You’re taking on a different role. I don’t necessarily look at it as some demotion. I don’t look at it like that. But if it’s something to help this team win, I’m always gonna be for it. I hate losing. If you have something to help us win, you’re not going to get an argument from me.”
(Top photo: Noah Graham / Getty Images )
