Jonathan Kuminga demotion

The Golden State Warriors have shaken up their rotation in the wake of a losing skid, and one notable change is drawing attention: 21-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga has been demoted back to a bench role. After a series of uneven performances and team struggles, head coach Steve Kerr opted to reduce Kuminga’s minutes, a move that “reopened old wounds” for the former lottery pick. According to an ESPN report, one team source described Kuminga’s reaction, saying “He feels like the scapegoat again.”

A Promising Start Hits Turbulence

Kuminga entered the 2023-24 season with high hopes of an expanded role. The athletic forward had reportedly impressed in offseason workouts and preseason, earning praise from Kerr. “Jonathan had a great summer and we’re going to need him to step up this year,” Kerr said in October, hinting that Kuminga could be a key rotational piece.

However, as the season progressed into November, both Kuminga and the Warriors hit a rough patch. The team lost five of seven games during one stretch, falling back to around .500 in the standings. Kuminga’s individual performance dipped during that span — his shooting efficiency wavered and his turnovers spiked, often coming at costly moments. With the team desperate to steady the ship, Kerr began searching for rotation answers, pulling Kuminga from the regular rotation and cutting his minutes. The demotion to a lesser bench role was a clear sign that the coaching staff was not satisfied with his recent play.

“He feels like the scapegoat again,” one team source told ESPN, describing Kuminga’s mindset after the demotion. The phrasing “again” hints at Kuminga’s longstanding frustration with how he’s been utilized. Last season, during the Warriors’ playoff run, Kuminga saw his minutes evaporate, leading to speculation about his satisfaction and future with the team.

Coaching Harder – Kuminga’s Request and Kerr’s Response

Interestingly, Kuminga’s benching comes on the heels of an open dialogue he had with his coach about development. Team sources told ESPN that Kuminga had voiced to Kerr a desire to be coached harder. Before an early November road game, Kerr and Kuminga had a one-on-one meeting to discuss his progress and role. Kuminga essentially asked for tough love, hoping it would accelerate his growth.

Kerr appeared receptive, and during the next game, observers noted Kerr actively pulling Kuminga aside for constructive coaching on the sideline. Despite those efforts, Kuminga’s inconsistencies persisted in subsequent games. With losses piling up, Kerr decided to tighten the leash on the 21-year-old. The message was implicit: Kuminga would have to earn back his minutes through improved play in practice and in limited opportunities.

A Tense Moment in a Tough Stretch

The Warriors’ struggles during this period impacted everyone on the roster. In one particularly heated instance on November 14 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, an on-court scuffle broke out involving Draymond Green. Kuminga left the bench area during the altercation, which is against NBA rules, and ended up being suspended for one game for his part in the incident, as confirmed in an official NBA release. While unrelated to his on-court performance, the episode exemplified the frustration and intensity surrounding the Warriors at the time.

Kerr’s Approach and the Warriors’ Youth Movement

For head coach Steve Kerr, these decisions are part of the Warriors' delicate act of balancing developing young talent with chasing a championship. Kuminga, drafted 7th overall in 2021, is one of the most important young pieces for Golden State. Yet, Kerr has consistently preached that playing time on the veteran Warriors must be earned by trust and consistency.

Kerr hasn’t publicly criticized Kuminga, often highlighting the difficult position he is in. “He’s a young player on a veteran team, so there’s a lot to absorb,” Kerr told reporters from NBC Sports Bay Area earlier in the season. “It’s just about being consistent – doing the little things that help us win.”

Other Warriors veterans have chimed in with support. Stephen Curry said Kuminga’s athletic gifts are “through the roof” but that “the game has to slow down for him a bit.” Draymond Green, who has mentored Kuminga, noted on his podcast that Kuminga has the tools to be an elite defender if he focuses on it every play.

By the Numbers: Kuminga’s Season So Far

To quantify Kuminga’s up-and-down start, here’s a look at some of his statistics:

• Season Averages (first 15 games): 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 45% FG, 28% 3PT in 20.5 minutes per game.
• During 7-Game Slump: 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 turnovers, 38% FG over that stretch (Warriors went 2-5).
• Role: Minutes per game dropped to ~15 during the slump.

These numbers highlight the inconsistency that has made it hard for Kerr to rely on Kuminga every night.

Repercussions and What’s Next

The Warriors' front office remains publicly supportive of Kuminga, with new general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. stating that developing young talent is a priority. There have been no official trade talks, though rival teams are surely monitoring the situation.

Within the locker room, the hope is that this demotion can serve as motivation. The situation is being watched as a barometer of their “two timelines” experiment. The franchise saw one young lottery pick, James Wiseman, falter in this environment and get traded, while Jordan Poole emerged from early struggles to become a key contributor to the 2022 championship team.

The coming weeks and months will test the balance of patience and accountability for Jonathan Kuminga. An injury to a rotation player or a few standout performances could earn him another shot at a bigger role.

Watch: Steve Kerr Discusses Jonathan Kuminga's Role and Development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why was Jonathan Kuminga demoted to the bench?

A: Kuminga’s demotion was primarily due to a combination of his dip in performance and the team’s struggles early in the season. The Warriors hit a rough patch, losing multiple games, and during that stretch Kuminga’s play was inconsistent — he had increased turnovers, some defensive lapses, and less offensive impact than expected. Head coach Steve Kerr, looking to shake up the rotation and cut down on mistakes, decided to give more minutes to other players (especially veterans known for steadier play). As a result, Kuminga saw his role reduced, moving from a near 6th-man role to the back end of the rotation.

Q2: How did Kuminga react to being benched?

A: According to reporting by ESPN, Kuminga has taken it hard — a team source said he felt like he was being made a “scapegoat” for the team’s problems. This reaction isn’t entirely surprising because this isn’t the first time he’s felt singled out; a similar frustration brewed last season when he hardly played in the playoffs. While Kuminga has not publicly criticized the coaching decision, the leaked sentiments suggest he’s frustrated and possibly a bit discouraged.

Q3: What has Steve Kerr said about Kuminga’s development and this demotion?

A: Steve Kerr’s public comments have been measured. He speaks generally about needing consistency and focus from young players. Kerr has praised Kuminga’s talent and growth at times but emphasizes that every player has to earn their role and that rotational decisions are about what gives the team the best chance to win on a given night. Essentially, Kerr wants Kuminga to control what he can control and not get too hung up on the nightly minute count.

Q4: What are Jonathan Kuminga’s stats this season and how do they compare to before?

A: In the early portion of the 2023-24 season, Jonathan Kuminga was averaging roughly 10 points and 4 rebounds per game in about 20 minutes of action, similar to his second-year stats. However, during the team’s slump — the period when he ended up getting demoted — his production dropped: over a seven-game sample, he averaged only about 6–7 points on roughly 38% shooting, with higher turnovers. Those struggles reinforced the coaching staff’s decision that he wasn’t helping enough to justify more minutes at that time.

Q5: Does this benching mean the Warriors might trade Kuminga or send him to the G-League?

A: As of now, no. There’s no indication from credible sources that the Warriors are looking to trade Jonathan Kuminga in the immediate future, as the organization has invested a lot in him. Sending him to the G-League is also unlikely, as it would be seen as a step backward. The focus will instead be on developing him within the NBA team environment. However, if he continues to struggle for a place in the rotation, his name could surface in trade rumors closer to the trade deadline.

Q6: How have other young Warriors handled similar situations?

A: The Warriors have had a mix of outcomes. Moses Moody, drafted in the same class as Kuminga, has earned trust by staying ready and focusing on specific roles. Jordan Poole overcame early struggles and G-League stints to become a key contributor to the 2022 championship team. On the other hand, James Wiseman (the No. 2 pick in 2020) struggled with fit and injuries before being traded. Those who embrace their role and improve their weaknesses tend to find a place on the team.

Q7: What does Jonathan Kuminga need to do to get back into the lineup consistently?

A: In simple terms: be consistent in the little things. Coaches want to see him focus on defense without fouling, limiting turnovers by making simple plays, bringing consistent energy and effort, and improving his shot selection and off-ball movement within the Warriors' complex offensive system. If Kuminga can prove reliable in these areas, even without high scoring numbers, he will earn the coaching staff's trust and more consistent playing time.