Jonathan Kuminga may have to endure more locker room heat! Or he may even walk out this time. The 22-year-old rising star, who is in the last year of his rookie contract, is on the verge of extending his stay with the Golden State Warriors. Or is he? Considering the drama from the previous season over his minutes, the hooper doesn’t seem like someone who’ll be settling for less. In this situation, Steve Kerr’s latest decision before the game has created a sense of fidgetiness among the Bay Area community.

As per Shams Charania, Steve Kerr has decided to bench Jonathan Kuminga tonight against the Pelicans. Importantly, with Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins not available for the game, it’s indeed a surprising call. Charania also added, “Intriguing development in a fourth season when no extension was complete for both sides, and team has discussed setting him up to take the next step.” 

Heading into the 2024-25 season, the conversations surrounding the contract extensions of Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga emerged, as both rising stars are approaching free agency in the 2025 offseason. Ahead of the current season, NBA insider Jake Fischer stated that JK was expecting a max extension. Meanwhile, Anthony Slater reported that the Dubs aren’t prepared to sign a five-year deal. Importantly, the front office may evaluate JK’s progress in the current season before deciding on the number.

However, this uncertain period powered by the head coach’s latest decision to bench Jonathan Kuminga for tonight’s game has caused a stir among fans. The starting lineup for tonight’s Pelicans game includes Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski. Let’s find out how the fans react to the update.

Steve Kerr’s latest Jonathan Kuminga decision has many believing that the ship has sailed and the hooper is “gone”

The only thing that worries fans is Kuminga’s uncertain future. A fan, speaking his fears, wrote, “Oof man, yeah he might be gone soon.” It’s important to note that JK had a similar issue with Steve Kerr in the previous season. The star forward openly addressed his discontent about the lack of minutes on the floor. The Athletic had then reported that he “no longer believes Kerr will allow him to reach his full potential.” However, the duo sorted it out and JK found a place in the starting lineup and showcased a breakout season.

Another fan, aligning with the same fear, wrote, “This never a good sign.” While Kuminga hasn’t responded to the decision yet, fan fear will come true once the rising star reacts to the same. Importantly, he clocked in much sooner than expected in the Pelicans game and played throughout the first quarter.

This fan put forward an important question, writing, “No Curry today, and yet Warriors have the audacity to bring Kuminga off the bench? Good lord wtf is Kerr doing?” This is clearly a valid question, but in an interview, the HC spoke about exploring his depth, saying, “The chance for that depth to get their opportunity. I’m excited about that.” So, Steve Kerr might term this entire fan-turned fiasco into him using this open opportunity to explore his choices.

On the other hand, some fans expected more out of the rising star. A fan wrote, “He needs to step up….I’m not liking his play the other night….he was on that good path last season why not continue.” Maybe Jonathan Kuminga has to produce a career-high night to shut down his critics. He’s averaged 19.7 minutes in the first three games of the season but he hasn’t really stood out since his 17-point haul against JJ Redick and Co. in the preseason finale. Will the hooper come out blazing off the bench? Let us know in the comments.