In his 11-year tenure as a head coach, Steve Kerr has risen to the pinnacle of the league’s coaching elite. He has secured four league championships, guiding superstars such as Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green at Golden State Warriors. However, a former Boston Celtics champion recently offered sharp criticism, highlighting a perceived weakness in him.
“Steve Kerr, in my opinion, has a hard time of letting young guys be great. Right?…The only person that I’ve seen him wrap his arms around as a young guy is Podziemski. And Podziemski is going to have a long career as a role player. But when it comes down to guys elevating, and you see a guy that has the potential to be a franchise guy, Steve Kerr is holding these guys back. Why?,” Kendrick Perkins said, via Road Trippin’ podcast.
Throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, fans frequently criticized the Golden State Warriors for sidelining young talent. This was largely due to Jonathan Kuminga’s reduced playing time after Jimmy Butler joined the team. When injuries struck during the postseason, he had to rely on bench players. Nevertheless, their limited involvement throughout the season hampered their ability to perform effectively in critical moments.
Is Jonathan Kuminga’s uncertain future exposing Steve Kerr’s struggles with developing young talent?
Jonathan Kuminga started the 2024-25 season strongly, but the team’s dynamics shifted with Jimmy Butler’s arrival. The former Heat star’s addition reduced his starting lineup appearances significantly. Yet, he could shine in the postseason, stepping up amid injuries to Stephen Curry and Butler. With his contract expiring at season’s end, critics quickly targeted Steve Kerr for mishandling the youngster’s development.
Despite facing criticism from fans, the Golden State Warriors reportedly have compelling reasons for not extending a contract to Jonathan Kuminga. However, this decision has fueled fan speculation about Steve Kerr’s management of young talent. Some argue that his approach suggests a lack of confidence in the team’s emerging players, who are expected to eventually step up as replacements for the roster’s aging stars.
Report: Jonathan Kuminga’s future could still be in the Western Conference
Jonathan Kuminga may not have played as prominent a role as initially anticipated, but he has certainly showcased the skills needed for a promising NBA career. According to Kendrick Perkins, the young athlete possesses elite talent and remarkable athleticism, suggesting that he can be a game-changer. This potential has not gone unnoticed, as two Western Conference franchises have reportedly made concrete offers to acquire his services.
According to Shams Charania on ESPN, the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have made concrete offers for Jonathan Kuminga. Both franchises are reportedly offering the young star more minutes and a more prominent role on the roster. However, reports suggest that while Kuminga has not ruled out continuing with the Warriors, this remains the least likely option.