Wednesday night wasn’t kind to the Golden State Warriors. A third straight loss, this time to the OKC Thunder, left fans shaking their heads. Yet, amidst the gloom, there were flashes of brilliance. For instance, Jonathan Kuminga, the 22-year-old forward, was electric. But here’s the twist—he spent more time on the bench than on the court. Steve Kerr, what’s the deal? Couldn’t JK get more minutes on the floor?

Coach Kerr wants to play Jonathan Kuminga. However, he has some priorities to sort out. Simply put, the 59-year-old mastermind has preferences and JK seemingly isn’t the No. 1. Right after the 101-105 loss vs. Thunder, the head coach spoke to the media in the postgame presser. Reporters asked him about the small lineup amidst Stephen Curry’s absence. Moreover, what is Kerr planning with (maybe) starting Kuminga?

“Steph not being there definitely influences for us,” explained Steve Kerr. “Pairing Draymond and Trayce with Steph, without a pick-and-roll player makes things tricky offensively. So, that’s why I did it.” But, right after taking us through the whole ‘without Steph’ situation, the HC shared his thoughts on Jonathan Kuminga. He said: “JK came in and did a great job, after that first run, where he was a little rusty. But we definitely will play that small lineup with JK at the four and Draymond at the five. Plenty coming up, but my gut would be to keep starting the way we’ve been starting with Trayce and Draymond.”

Simply put, Steve Kerr’s “gut” would be to move back to the big starting lineup (with Jonathan Kuminga back to the bench) when Curry returns in the Suns game (hopefully). However, fans are voicing their unhappiness about Kuminga’s exclusion from the starting lineup. He scored 19 points against OKC in Chase Center on Wednesday. And despite his shooting woes, JK has been a proven talent. Yet it looks like Coach Kerr needs more from the 22-year-old.

“I’m happy with it”: Jonathan Kuminga’s honest claims amidst replacement rumors

The Dubs are tight on the cost cap and Jonathan Kuminga is without a contract. You do understand what this means for the power forwards? Well, let’s simplify this. Kuminga was on the Warriors‘ list to leave the team. And surely, such rumors can be a major setback for one’s confidence. But like a professional athlete, JK just goes about his business in his usual style.

He addressed the rumors during a post-match press conference, sharing his thoughts. “I mean, I feel like I have been doing, have been consistent just going out there and be the guy they want me to be. Being a scorer, being a playmaker, being a defender, and trying to rebound more. And just being consistent on defense. So I feel like it’s been a great role,” expressed Kuminga.

The power forward continued: “I’m happy with it. I haven’t complained or anything like. They don’t matter how the game is going, you know. That’s what they want me to do and I feel, I feel very comfortable doing it. So, it doesn’t really matter.” Jonathan is indeed doing everything he can to put out the best game whenever he’s on the floor. And maybe, Coach Kerr’s doubts about the youngster can clear off sometime soon.

Jonathan Kuminga is doing his part, no doubt. He’s scoring, defending, and staying consistent. But will it be enough to sway Steve Kerr’s “gut”? Fans are rooting for JK to shine, and the Dubs could use his spark. For now, the Warriors’ rotation remains a puzzle—one we hope Kuminga cracks soon. So, stay tuned, Dub Nation!