Jonathan Kuminga returned to the Golden State Warriors’ lineup during a tightly contested game against the Phoenix Suns, which ended in a narrow 99-98 defeat for the Warriors. This marked his first appearance since falling out of the rotation before the December 7 win over the Chicago Bulls. Kuminga logged just under 10 minutes of playtime and contributed two points, four rebounds, one assist, and one turnover.
Impact of Returning to Play
Kuminga expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining the team and playing alongside veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. “It felt good,” he remarked, noting his familiarity with their play styles. “I know how they play and I know where to be when we’re on the floor together.” Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that Kuminga earned his return through impressive practice performances. “He handled himself really well this last week,” Kerr said, describing how they aimed for him to utilize his speed and athleticism on the court.
Statistics and Performance
This season, Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His season started strong, with Kuminga initially in the starting lineup. However, he was removed from the starting five prior to a November 12 game against the San Antonio Spurs and subsequently missed seven games due to a knee injury. On his return on November 29, he faced challenges as he worked on reestablishing rhythm within the team dynamic.
Kuminga mentioned his daily commitment to training and maintaining readiness: “Working out every day, staying sharp, watching film. Just try to stay in shape, and everything will handle itself.”
Trade Speculation Surrounding Kuminga
Amidst his recent benching, trade speculation surrounding Kuminga has intensified in the lead-up to the February 5 trade deadline. Following his signing of a two-year deal with a team option, analysts have ranked him among the top potential trade candidates. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie lists him eighth on the trade board, with the earliest date he could be traded set for January 15.
Despite the rumors, Kuminga remains focused on his performance and team contributions. “I don’t focus on that,” he stated regarding the trade discussions. “I just think about going out there, competing, and finding a way to help us win.” His mindset reflects a commitment to the present and the team’s performance amid an unpredictable season.
