Jonathan Kuminga has been ruled out for Friday’s game due to back soreness, adding another twist to an already complicated situation for the Golden State Warriors. Recently, Kuminga faced a challenging stretch, being removed from head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation for nine of the past ten games, which hinted that his tenure with the franchise might be nearing an end.
However, with the Warriors set to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center, Kuminga had been poised for a chance at redemption through increased playing time, especially in the absence of key players like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and De’Anthony Melton. Kerr had confirmed earlier that he planned to utilize Kuminga given the team’s current roster limitations.
Returning to play after an extended break could be a daunting challenge for the 23-year-old, especially facing one of the top teams in the league. His last appearance was on December 18 against the Phoenix Suns, where he recorded two points, four rebounds, and an assist in just under ten minutes of play.
With the significant absence of scoring options due to injuries, Kuminga’s role on the offensive end could take on new importance. Historically, he has shown flashes of talent, particularly during crucial moments in past postseason games.
Despite his upcoming opportunity to play, experts remain skeptical about how one game might influence Kuminga’s trade value ahead of the mid-season trade deadline. Teams like the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and Dallas Mavericks have expressed interest in him, and his performance will be closely watched. However, a standout game may not significantly shift Golden State’s perspective on retaining him.
The Warriors are in a precarious position; the last thing they want is for Kuminga to suffer an injury, which could hinder any potential trade prospects when the window opens on January 15. This is likely why his recent absence from the rotation may have been strategic while minimizing injury risks.
As Kerr focuses on securing victories amidst the difficult circumstances, he seems to be gearing up to leverage Kuminga heavily in the upcoming game. While they face the challenge as heavy underdogs, incorporating Kuminga in an impactful way might provide the Warriors with their best shot at overcoming the odds against the Thunder.