The Warriors are running out of time. With just ten games left in the regular season, every win matters, and every adjustment could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. But beyond the standings, Steve Kerr’s latest comments about Stephen Curry’s return could have a ripple effect—especially for Jonathan Kuminga.

Curry’s comeback was always going to be a big deal, but what Kerr said about it? That might just change everything for the 22-year-old forward.

After missing two games with a pelvic injury, Curry returned in the Warriors’ 111-95 win over the Pelicans. He finished with 23 points in 34 minutes, but it wasn’t a flawless performance—especially from deep. He missed his last handful of threes, yet Kerr had zero concerns.

“I thought he looked great,” Kerr said postgame. “He was moving really well, took care of the ball. I thought Steph played an excellent game. He probably missed his last five or six threes, so the numbers don’t look great. But he looked like himself, and I think the week off did him a lot of good.”

The Warriors are in no rush to force Curry back into peak form, which means other players will have to step up. But here’s where it gets interesting—Kuminga might not be stepping up in the way he wants to.

Kuminga has been one of the Warriors’ biggest bright spots this season, averaging 16.3 points and nearly five rebounds. He’s young, athletic, and eager to take on a bigger offensive role. But there’s just one problem—there might not be room for that.

With Curry leading the charge and Jimmy Butler playing a major offensive role, Kerr doesn’t seem interested in expanding Kuminga’s scoring responsibilities. Instead, he wants him to lock in defensively, especially with Gary Payton II now sidelined.

“Well, it opens up an opportunity for JK to be that defensive stopper,” Kerr explained. “The guy who we’ve relied on Gary to be, JK is the obvious guy.”

For a player who likely sees himself as a future go-to scorer, that’s not exactly music to his ears. Kerr isn’t asking him to take more shots or run the offense—he’s asking him to do the dirty work.

How Kuminga and Curry Can Make This Work

But here’s the thing—Kuminga might not have much of a choice. If he wants to solidify his place in the lineup, he’ll have to prove he can be a defensive force first. The good news? He already has one thing working in his favor—his connection with Curry.

Kerr highlighted how Kuminga’s screen-setting and rim-running played a crucial role in their win over the Pelicans. “The dive to the rim when JK sets that ball screen for Steph puts a lot of pressure on the defense, and that was really key tonight,” Kerr noted. “The two of them connected for three or four of those, and that was helpful.”

If Kuminga can continue thriving in that two-man game with Curry, it could be his ticket to more offensive opportunities. But until then, Kerr’s message is clear—defense comes first.

The Warriors, now 42-31 and sitting seventh in the West, don’t have the luxury of experimenting. Kerr is setting clear expectations—if Kuminga wants more minutes, he needs to embrace a defensive-first role.

With Curry’s return, the offensive hierarchy is set. Kuminga has to decide whether he’s willing to adapt or risk getting lost in the shuffle. These next few games won’t just define the Warriors’ season—they might just define Kuminga’s future with the team.