Steve Kerr Explains Why Jonathan Kuminga Has Earned a Full-Time Starting Role

The time of Jonathan Kuminga has finally arrived. After years of flashes and frustration with , the 23-year-old forward has officially locked down a permanent starting spot for the Golden State Warriors alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, and head coach Steve Kerr says it’s been well earned.

“He’ll start tonight, and he’ll be our starter going forward,” Kerr told reporters before the Warriors’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers, via Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area. “He’s been fantastic. Last night we put him on Ja [Morant], tonight we’ll put him on James Harden. I think he’s ready to take on that role defensively.”

Steve Kerr has UNLEASHED Jonathan Kuminga and he will now be an every game starter alongside Steph, Draymond, and Jimmy.

“He’ll start tonight and he’ll be our starter going forward.”

“I think he’s ready to take on that role.” pic.twitter.com/DT2Ik9i8K9

— KNBR (@KNBR) October 29, 2025

It’s a major statement from Kerr, who entered the season with only three players guaranteed to start: Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Kuminga’s performance through the first five games forced Kerr’s hand, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN. “He’ll be our starter going forward,” Kerr repeated. “The way he’s rebounding, the way he’s attacking the rim, that’s what makes him special. When he’s playing to that talent, to that ability, it changes our team.”

Kuminga and his breakout comes after a tense offseason that saw him test restricted free agency before signing a two-year, $48.5 million deal with the Golden State Warriors. During that time, he pushed for a bigger role, and now, just weeks into the new campaign, he’s delivered. Through five starts, he’s averaging 18 points on nearly 58 percent shooting with eight rebounds per game, showing improved patience and decision-making.

“You’ve hardly seen any of the mid-shot clock, 17-foot pull-ups,” Kerr said. “You’re seeing him being much more purposeful, getting the ball to Jimmy, getting the ball to Steph, attacking the rim. He’s really putting a lot of pressure on people.”