Playing for the Golden State Warriors comes with a fine line. The demands have to be aligned with playing winning basketball. And even after a win against the Timberwolves, Steve Kerr stuck into some of the younger players, in particular, Jonathan Kuminga. “We don’t need contested 17-footers with 12 on the shot clock. That’s a bad shot” he said about his inefficient game. The underlying message was instantly received. Even though they lost in a close game against the Pacers, Kuminga’s energetic play is what kept the margin narrow.

Right before the game as well, Kerr appealed for Kuminga’s shot selection and decision-making to improve. He responded with a game-high 26 points, including 4 assists and four offensive rebounds. Despite his uncertain future with the franchise, JK has accepted his volatile status, shifting between being a starter and coming off the bench.

“Sometimes I start, sometimes I don’t start. Don’t really affect me. [At] this point in my career, I can’t put my head down and not go out there and play hard or try to be effective,” he told ESPN. While he does it though, by no stretch of imagination is it easy. Kuminga admits being “mentally tough” comes to him naturally, but being as acceptive isn’t for everyone.

“A lot of people that are playing … if they were in my shoes, they’ll quit basketball. They’ll need a therapist. They’ll go through a lot of mental situations. But that thing don’t affect me,” said the explosive forward.

Likewise, the question also came for Steve Kerr. The media wanted to know his evaluation of Kuminga’s performance. But rather than thinking it was a personal dig, the revered head coach clarified his demands aren’t just limited to the 22-year-old. “There’s 82 games, all kinds of stuff happens. I coach and I say stuff. I say stuff to all the guys and JK was great tonight. Played a fantastic game. It’s not about a message really it’s all part of the season,” said the nine-time champion.

Tension or not, Steve Kerr wants to see Jonathan Kuminga shine

Yes, in the past there has been some friction between Kuminga and Kerr. However, there was a renewed sense of belief from the beginning of the season. JK was willing to be coached and Steve Kerr has been just as engrossed in bringing the best out of the tantalizing talent. So when it comes to criticism, his words sting.

However, Kerr is equally expressive in his praise for Kuminga, a prospect he wants to continue coaching. “This is the JK we want. Spent a lot of time in the paint, took care of the ball. Had a couple really nice passes. Found Buddy [Hield] for 3 on a beautiful play and really attacked. So this is a great example of how JK needs to play. I’m really proud of him for coming out, playing that way. … He’s getting better, and it’s fun to watch his development,” he said after the game.

Being the head coach, Kerr is often going to be in the firing line for his comments. But transparency and openness are some of the qualities he has boasted long before Kuminga was drafted by the Warriors. At his heart, he is a competitor who wants to keep winning with the Bay. And the current system resides around Stephen Curry.

From Jonathan Kuminga’s perspective, his perspective is also understandable. Most of the players from his draft class have a contract for the future. But for him, it’s essentially a contract year. Performing at a high level to impress the top brass while balancing with the needs of the team can get hard at times.

As far as those conversations go, while a max extension may not be on the table, Kuminga is surely proving he is an invaluable asset for the Warriors. Having both his and Wiggins’ slashing abilities together has benefitted the Warriors immensely. Their top two scoring lineups feature both of them, unlike last season. And even though Kerr can be critical, he appears to trust Jonathan Kuminga to be an influential part of a potential championship run.