Jonathan Kuminga’s 2025-26 season with the Golden State Warriors has become one of the most talked-about storylines in the Bay Area - and for good reason. The 21-year-old forward has shown flashes of real growth on the court, but his role in Steve Kerr’s rotation has been anything but consistent. That disconnect between production and playing time has sparked frustration not just among fans, but also from former players, including a very vocal DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins didn’t mince words when reacting to Kuminga’s recent benching. In a segment on FanDuel TV, the former All-Star called out Kerr’s handling of the situation, describing it as “wrong, bad and unprofessional.”
He didn’t stop there, either. “Steve is continuing to get more weird by the day,” Cousins said.
“Something has to be done.” That’s a strong statement - especially coming from a player who knows what it’s like to navigate the ups and downs of NBA rotations.
At the heart of the issue are Kuminga’s numbers, which tell a story of a player who’s earning his minutes. He’s averaging 12.2 points per game this season while shooting an efficient 55 percent from the field.
That kind of production, especially from a young player still developing his game, would typically warrant a stable role. Instead, Kuminga has seen his minutes fluctuate, fueling speculation about his future in Golden State and stirring up trade rumors as the deadline looms.
But on Tuesday night in Toronto, Kuminga reminded everyone what he’s capable of when given the opportunity. Coming off the bench, he poured in 20 points, grabbed five rebounds, and added two assists in just 21 minutes of action. It wasn’t enough to stop the Raptors from running away with a 145-127 win, but Kuminga’s performance stood out - a bright spot on an otherwise tough night for the Warriors.
After the game, Kerr acknowledged Kuminga’s impact. “He came in and had great energy, attacked the rim, made some shots.
I thought JK was really good,” Kerr said. The head coach also pointed to injuries - including Jimmy Butler’s absence - as a factor in Kuminga’s return to the rotation.
That’s where things get interesting. Kuminga has handled the situation with professionalism, staying ready when his number is called.
But the question remains: how does Golden State plan to manage his development moving forward? With the team navigating a season full of ups and downs, and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, the Warriors are in a delicate position.
They need production now, but they also need to cultivate their young talent - especially someone with Kuminga’s upside.
This moment could be a turning point. Whether Kerr tightens the rotation around his veterans or leans more into the future with Kuminga will say a lot about where the Warriors are headed. For now, the spotlight stays firmly on the young forward - and the decisions that will shape not just his role, but potentially the trajectory of the franchise.