Former NBA champion takes a shot at Steve Kerr over Jonathan Kuminga situation with Warriors

The future of Jonathan Kuminga with the Golden State Warriors remains uncertain, creating complications for the franchise as it looks to reshape its roster during free agency. Amid ongoing trade rumors, former Boston Celtics NBA champion Kendrick Perkins called out Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, arguing that he is responsible for Kuminga’s stalled development and uncertain future in the Bay Area.

Golden State has reportedly explored trading Kuminga, though the team’s asking price for the 22-year-old forward remains high. Perkins, however, questioned why the Warriors would even consider moving him after his strong performances whenever given an expanded role.

“This young man has shown signs and flashes every single time he has been given the right opportunity,” Perkins said on the Road Trippin’ podcast. “Steph went out, was injured in the Minnesota series. The f— guy was averaging about 23-24 points with a high percentage shooting. He’s gotten better every single season, in my opinion, at different points of his game”.

During the last four games of the Warriors’ NBA playoff series against the Timberwolves, Kuminga averaged 24.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, stepping in for the injured Stephen Curry and showcasing his potential as a future franchise cornerstone.

Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Perkins argued that Steve Kerr’s coaching approach has hindered the development of Golden State’s young players, pointing to Kuminga as the prime example.

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“I feel like this is a bad look for the Golden State Warriors. I feel like this is a bad look on Steve Kerr,” Perkins noted. “Steve Kerr, in my opinion, has a hard time letting young guys be great. Like, the only person that I’ve seen him wrap his arms around as a young guy is Podziemski, right?”

“And Podziemski is going to have a long career as a role player,” he continued. “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? He is the one who decided to bench the man at the start of the postseason last year”.

Perkins draws comparison to Rajon Rondo’s rise in Boston

Perkins also likened Kuminga’s situation to Rajon Rondo’s early career with the Celtics, recalling how Boston’s veteran stars allowed Rondo room to develop into a key contributor alongside Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

“Listen, all I’m asking I didn’t witness it, I watched it. I watched KG and Paul pass the keys to Rondo,” Perkins said. “Rondo wasn’t necessarily the best player, but they like, ‘Hey, bro, we’re gonna let you cook. We’re gonna let you cook in this regular season.’ Why haven’t the Golden State Warriors done the same for Jonathan Kuminga?”