Recouping from the loss of a system player is supposed to be tough. With the “competition” residing within the Warriors, every player has shown growth and a strong desire to be a part of the rotation. The microscope though has long anticipated the movement of Jonathan Kuminga. Since Thompson’s departure, there have been questions about his stature in the rotations. “I’m going to have a hard time playing JK at the 3,” Kerr said prior to any preseason game.

Then no matter what combination the seasoned head coach opted for, Kuminga found a place. Even the explosive forward was optimistic before the preseason began. He had spoken passionately about improving his three-point shooting, the one weakness that kept the coach from regularly putting him in the starting lineup. But more than the glaring issue, there is something else Kerr wants to polish with Kuminga.

“Again we are really pushing him to run the floor. I mean that’s his gift,” Kerr said. The constant reminder to Kuminga is to always remain in full throttle, rather than give in to the trotting temptations. “He has a tendency at times to get into a home-run trot instead of you know going Usian Bolt and springing as fast as he can. And when he does that you feel the impact,”.

It’s fair to say Kuminga has followed the instructions more often than not. The 6’8″ forward preached the methods of Kerr during media day, and with the opportunities given, he hasn’t disappointed. Not only has he astronomically improved the quality of his three-point shots, but his defensive versatility has adorned his preseason campaign. In 6 games, he has recorded a 100 defensive rating. The previous year he recorded a 112 in the regular season.

Still, while Steve Kerr is satisfied with the vigor and increased energy of Kuminga, there are still some defensive woes he wants to fill out. “He’s getting better and he will keep working. But you know, he has his moments where you see it and you know he can be more consistent,” he said about the 22-year-old.

Lineup uncertainty will force Steve Kerr to make painful decisions

With a core part of their system gone, Steve Kerr started the training camp with no rough image of a starting lineup. The only guaranteed starters without surprise were Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Everything from there became a play of combinations. Kerr experimented with six different starting lineups during the preseason contests.

So where does he stand as far as clarity goes for their season opener against the Trail Blazers? “We have a whole roster full of guys who are capable of being in the rotation. I have some really difficult decisions to make Wednesday night in Portland,” Kerr said after the win against the Lakers.

Moses Moody, the forward who entered with Kuminga has been the most prominent contributor during the six games. The 22-year-old has led the Bay in scoring while shooting a stunning 39.4% from deep. At the same time, Hield and Melton have played their parts as per the expectations set on them.

Steve Kerr painfully admitted that despite some sublime performances, not all can possibly get a chance at making the season rotation. However, with everyone producing well and at a league-ready level, his concerns for the long season have condensed. “I think we are going to be well suited to play through injuries and any other absences. We are prepared and well stocked to put a really good group of players out there,” Kerr mentioned.

Who do you think will make the final cut for Steve Kerr and the Warriors? Let us know your views in the comments below.