Draymond Green, the veteran player for the Golden State Warriors, recently acknowledged that head coach Steve Kerr has faced challenges in effectively coaching Jonathan Kuminga throughout the young player’s development. This comes in light of Kuminga’s recent two-year contract extension, which fosters a sense of optimism for the Warriors as they prepare for the 2025-26 season, their first full season after acquiring superstar Jimmy Butler at last year’s trade deadline.
Green pointed out that Kuminga represents a unique challenge for Kerr, who has primarily coached more established players. “Jonathan Kuminga is different than any player Steve Kerr has ever coached,” Green stated, noting Kuminga’s exceptional athleticism and skill set at a young age. He emphasized that adapting to such a distinctive player takes time and diligence, something that Kerr has been working on over the years.
The process of adjustment has not solely relied on Kerr’s coaching style. Green acknowledged that the new dynamics in coaching arise when you move from players who share similarities, like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, to someone as unique as Kuminga. “It takes some time to figure that out,” he added, highlighting the nuances involved in coaching different personalities and skill sets.
In tandem with Green’s sentiments, Kerr has also spoken highly of Kuminga’s maturation both on and off the court. In an interview with 95.7 The Game, Kerr shared his observations of Kuminga’s progress, noting the positive influence of veteran players, particularly Jimmy Butler, who has been mentoring Kuminga during training camp. “I know that I’m really excited about how he’s progressed,” Kerr said, emphasizing Kuminga’s potential to play a significant role in the team’s endeavors this season.
Kuminga’s performance in the recent season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a 119-109 victory, showcases his growth and the successful integration of his skill set into the team’s strategy. The Warriors are hopeful that Kuminga will continue to develop, contributing to their aspirations of reclaiming their status among the elite teams in the Western Conference.