Jonathan Kuminga’s 2025-26 season with the Golden State Warriors has turned into one of the most talked-about storylines in the Bay Area - and not for the reasons you'd expect from a 21-year-old forward putting up efficient numbers. Instead, it’s his fluctuating role in Steve Kerr’s rotation that’s drawing heat, with fans, analysts, and even former NBA stars weighing in.
The latest wave of criticism came from DeMarcus Cousins, who didn’t mince words when reacting to Kuminga’s recent benching. During a segment on FanDuel TV, Cousins sounded off on Kerr’s handling of the situation, calling it “wrong, bad and unprofessional,” and even suggesting something deeper might be going on.
“Steve is continuing to get more weird by the day,” Cousins said. “Something has to be done.”
It’s not just about minutes - it’s about the message. Kuminga is averaging 12.2 points per game this season while shooting a scorching 55 percent from the field.
Those are the kind of numbers that typically earn a young player more responsibility, not less. Yet, his role has been anything but consistent, and the confusion surrounding his usage has only intensified trade speculation.
The timing of this controversy is especially notable. Golden State has been searching for answers amid a rocky stretch, and Kuminga - a player with elite athleticism and a developing offensive game - seems like someone who could help stabilize things. Instead, he’s been caught in the shuffle of Kerr’s ever-shifting rotations, and that’s raising eyebrows both inside and outside the locker room.
But on Tuesday night in Toronto, Kuminga made a statement with his play. Coming off the bench, he poured in 20 points, grabbed five boards, and dished out two assists in just 21 minutes.
He attacked the rim with purpose, brought energy on both ends, and reminded everyone why there’s so much buzz around his potential. The Warriors still fell to the Raptors, 145-127, on a tough road night, but Kuminga’s performance was a bright spot.
After the game, Kerr acknowledged the impact. “He came in and had great energy, attacked the rim, made some shots.
I thought JK was really good,” Kerr said, per NBC Sports Bay Area. It was a clear nod to the young forward’s effort and execution - and maybe, just maybe, a sign that his role could be on the upswing again.
Kerr also pointed to injuries - including the absence of Jimmy Butler - as a factor in Kuminga’s return to the floor. That’s part of the reality in an 82-game season: roles shift, opportunities open up, and players have to stay ready. To Kuminga’s credit, he has - staying professional, keeping his head down, and letting his game do the talking.
Still, the bigger question remains: What’s the long-term plan here? The Warriors are in a transitional phase, trying to balance the twilight of the dynasty with the development of their next generation. Kuminga is right at the center of that - a player with the tools to be a future star, but one who needs consistent minutes and trust to get there.
If Golden State wants to build something sustainable beyond the Curry era, how they handle Kuminga - not just in January, but over the next few months - could be a pivotal part of that blueprint.