Jonathan Kuminga Benched: Warriors Shake Up Lineup Amid Struggles
In a move that’s sure to spark debate, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has pulled the plug on Jonathan Kuminga’s starting role, just weeks after declaring the young forward had earned it. But here’s where it gets controversial... Is this a strategic adjustment or a response to deeper team dynamics? Let’s dive in.
On November 12th, 2025, Kerr unveiled a new starting lineup ahead of the Warriors’ game against the San Antonio Spurs, notably excluding Kuminga. This decision comes on the heels of a rough patch for Golden State, who had lost five of their last seven games and were mired in a six-game road losing streak before snapping it against the Spurs. With four more games left on their current road trip—including a rematch in San Antonio, followed by stops in New Orleans, Orlando, and Miami—Kerr is clearly looking to shake things up.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—Or Do They?
Kuminga, who started the first 12 games of the season, had been averaging a solid 14.9 points and a team-leading 6.8 rebounds per game, shooting 48.9% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. According to Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle, the two main starting lineups featuring Kuminga and Stephen Curry had been winning their minutes, posting a plus-10.8 points per 100 possessions with Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Brandin Podziemski, and a plus-13.7 with Green, Butler, and Quinten Post. And this is the part most people miss... If Kuminga wasn’t the problem, what’s really going on?
Kerr replaced Kuminga with rookie shooting guard Will Richard, who made just his second career start. Richard has been impressive in limited action, averaging 10 points per game on 58.6% shooting from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc. The new starting lineup also featured Curry, Green, Butler, and Moses Moody, a small-ball configuration that Kerr hopes will inject more fluidity into the team’s play.
Draymond Green’s Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
Following a 24-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Green called out “personal agendas” within the team, suggesting not everyone was fully committed to winning. While he didn’t name names, it’s hard not to connect the dots to Kuminga, whose offseason contract negotiations included demands for more consistent playing time and a larger offensive role. Is this a case of clashing egos or a legitimate concern about team chemistry?
Kerr, however, was quick to clarify that the lineup change wasn’t about assigning blame. “It’s never any one individual’s fault,” he said during his pre-game press conference. “It’s all about the team and how we can get the best out of everyone individually so that the collective is stronger.”
The Bigger Picture
This move raises questions about the Warriors’ long-term strategy. Are they prioritizing immediate results over player development? Or is this a temporary adjustment to address their recent slump? Kuminga’s benching comes at a critical juncture for a team that’s struggled to find consistency this season. With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, every decision carries weight.
What Do You Think?
Is Kerr’s decision justified, or is he overreacting to a temporary rough patch? Does Kuminga’s benching signal a deeper issue within the team? Let us know in the comments below. And here’s a thought to ponder... Could this move ultimately backfire, or will it be the spark the Warriors need to turn their season around?
