With the playoffs looming closer and only ten regular season games remaining, injury woes are starting to creep up for the Warriors. After missing Stephen Curry in the last two contests with a pelvic injury, they have suffered another major setback in the form of Gary Payton II. Turns out, the veteran role player has a torn ligament in his left thumb and will miss time going forward. He will be re-evaluated in one week. Amid his absence, Steve Kerr plans on increasing the workload for Jonathan Kuminga.

Addressing Payton’s unfortunate injury, Kerr said, “Well, it opens up an opportunity for JK to be that defensive stopper. The guy who we’ve relied on Gary to be, JK is the obvious guy. Put him on the best offensive player, pickup full, harass people like Gary does.” Yes, the head coach wants the 22-year-old forward to take over GPII’s defensive role on the team.

Well, Kuminga has been a solid two-way player for the Warriors so far, averaging 16.3 points and nearly five rebounds. His 6’8, 210 lb frame is perfect to guard multiple positions. But there is a problem – While Kerr is demanding JK to take on the defensive load, he reportedly wants to play an offensive role in the team. However, that position is already occupied by Steph and Jimmy Butler.

But Kuminga can prove his worth by living up to Kerr’s expectations. The head coach continued, “I’m gonna ask JK to do that and it definitely opens up more minutes for him if he’s effective with that.” Of course, Kerr is only relying on JK because he sees the potential, “He’s got a lot of potential in that regard. I think it’s right there for him to like I said we will give him some tough assignments here coming up.” Maybe, once Kuminga fulfils his defensive duty, he will also get a chance to shine on offense as Steph’s return remains uncertain.

Steve Kerr remains optimistic as Stephen Curry makes major progress in recovery

Well, the Bay Area team has clearly struggled in Curry’s absence. With him out, they lost back-to-back road games, against the Hawks and Heat. Steph has been their primary scorer all year, averaging 24.2 points and six assists. So, the Warriors are desperately waiting for his return. As per the latest report by veteran insider Anthony Slater, Steph is making decent progress and went through a six-minute team scrimmage yesterday in New Orleans and topped it off with an individual workout.

However, his return remains uncertain as he is listed as questionable for tonight’s Pelicans clash. Although Kerr says he is “optimistic” about the Baby-Faced Assassin’s return, the Warriors still need a Plan B in case he doesn’t suit up. In Steph’s absence, Kuminga could be that second star alongside Jimmy Butler to carry the offensive load.

Of course, it will be a challenging task to make up for both Steph and Payton’s absence, but that’s what the Warriors expect from their potential future superstar. Do you think JK can thrive amid adversity and snap the Warriors’ two-game losing streak?