After the Warriors played the Hawks, Steve Kerr didn’t hold back when reflecting on why Jonathan Kuminga and Golden State ultimately went their separate ways.
Kerr pointed to a clear disconnect between Kuminga’s developmental needs and the reality of playing on a championship-contending roster.
“We couldn’t quite offer him what he needed and vice versa,” Kerr said. “We were a championship team. He needed really a lot of freedom and 35 minutes to make mistakes and grow and learn because he came in with very little experience, and we just couldn’t offer him that.”
Kuminga, now in Atlanta, had a quiet showing against his former team, finishing with just two points in 22 minutes.
But for Kerr, the situation was never about talent, it was about fit.
“We offered him what we could, which was 25 minutes and a role that he didn’t love,” Kerr added. “It was never comfortable for either party on the basketball floor. But on a personal level, we all root for him here.”
Golden State’s structure, built around winning now, left little room for the kind of on-ball freedom and extended minutes Kuminga needed to fully develop his game.
That gap ultimately led to a move that both sides appear to accept.
For Kuminga, the focus has already shifted forward.
“I am not worried about the past. I’m very happy where I’m at,” Kuminga said. “Whatever is being said, that’s not my problem anymore. I’m into the next chapter with my teammates and we’re trying to build something here.”
Despite the split, there’s clearly no bad blood. After the final buzzer, Kuminga shared moments with former teammates and coaches, reinforcing the relationships built during his time in Golden State.
“I’ve still got great friendship and connection like they’re my brothers,” Kuminga said.
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