Warriors’ Draymond Green sends a bold message to Jonathan Kuminga about his defensive mentality

The Golden State Warriors are coming off a NBA tough 112-86 loss to the Miami Heat, where their offensive struggles—largely due to the absence of Stephen Curry—were evident. However, defensive shortcomings were also a major factor in the defeat. In response, Draymond Green has called on forward Jonathan Kuminga to step up on that end of the floor.

With Warriors guard Gary Payton II ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn ligament in his left thumb, Green believes Kuminga must embrace a larger defensive role. Speaking on the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the veteran laid out exactly why he thinks it’s Kuminga’s time to shine.

“If I’m Jonathan Kuminga right now, I’m saying with GP out, I want to guard the best guard when I come into the game,” Green said. “I want to be the point-of-attack defender. I’m going to hawk this guard, change the momentum of the game, and embrace that role. We know he can score—we know what he’s capable of offensively.”

Green also emphasized the mentality Kuminga must adopt moving forward: “Imagine him embracing that role and saying, ‘I’m guarding the best. I’m picking up full-court, I’m going to work myself to exhaustion because I’m defending so hard.’ That’s how you win championships. If I’m Jonathan Kuminga, that’s my mindset.”

Draymond Green #23 (left) speaks to Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors

Steve Kerr backs Kuminga as a defensive stopper

With Payton sidelined, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has also highlighted Kuminga as the next man up defensively. Speaking with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Kerr confirmed his confidence in the 21-year-old.

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“It opens up an opportunity for [Jonathan Kuminga] to be that defensive stopper—the guy we’ve relied on Gary to be,” Kerr said. Losing Payton is a significant blow to the Warriors’ backcourt defense, meaning the frontcourt—particularly Kuminga—will now shoulder more responsibility.

Kuminga’s season performance and expectations

Kuminga has missed a significant portion of the NBA season due to injury, but in his 39 appearances so far, he’s averaging 16.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Since returning from a 30-game absence, he has put up 14 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

As he works his way back into form, the Warriors are hoping Kuminga can provide a strong defensive presence alongside Draymond Green and the newly acquired Jimmy Butler. A more solidified backcourt presence will be crucial, especially with the ongoing absence of Stephen Curry.