Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Confirms Jonathan Kuminga as Full-Time Starter
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Golden State head coach Steve Kerr announced Tuesday night that forward Jonathan Kuminga will remain in the Warriors’ starting lineup for the foreseeable future.
“He’ll be our starter going forward,” Kerr said before the Warriors’ 98–79 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center. “He’s been fantastic.”
Fifth Start of the Season
The matchup with Los Angeles marked Kuminga’s fifth start of 2025-26 after logging only 10 starts last year. Kerr has already used the 6-foot-8 wing on prominent defensive assignments, placing him on Ja Morant in Monday’s game and on James Harden on Tuesday.
Lineup Adjustments
Kuminga joins veterans Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green in the current first five. Off-season addition Al Horford, entering his 19th NBA season, has been restricted to roughly 22 minutes per game off the bench, while projected starter Moses Moody remains sidelined with a calf injury sustained in training camp.
Early Production and Contract Details
The 23-year-old is averaging 16.2 points on 53.7% shooting through five contests, hitting 7-of-16 attempts from three-point range. His 37 rebounds over that span represent a personal best for any five-game stretch. Kuminga is in the first season of a two-year, $48.5 million deal that carries a team option for 2026-27, leaving flexibility for Golden State or a potential trade partner.
Impact With Butler and Green
Despite concerns about his fit alongside Butler and Green, the trio has outscored opponents by 37 points in 74 minutes together, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Basketball Reference data shows Kuminga’s rebounding rate has jumped from 6.8 boards per 36 minutes last season to 8.8 so far. “It’s just mindset,” Kerr said. “A desire to go get the ball.”
Road Stretch Ahead
Golden State travels to Milwaukee on Wednesday to face the Bucks, beginning a stretch in which the Warriors will play 10 of their next 12 games away from Chase Center.
Source: Basketball Insiders
