Steve Kerr: Jonathan Kuminga Has 'Really, Really Matured'

Post #1 » by **RealGM Wiretap** » Wed Oct 22, 2025 6:04 pm

Jonathan Kuminga started the Golden State Warriors' season opener win over the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 as he moves on with a two-year, $48.5 million contract after a contentious negotiation. Kuminga had 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

"I think he has really, really matured," Steve Kerr said. "I think he has a better sense of what's needed now compared to past years. Jimmy [Butler] has really helped him too. Jimmy has talked to him a lot during camp, taken him aside during practices. Remember, Jonathan just turned 23."

Kuminga had a key offensive rebound that the locker room was buzzing about after the game.

"That rebound is what everyone in the world has been waiting to see," Draymond Green said. "You have that athleticism, you go make big plays. You have superstar potential, you go make big plays. Those are game-winning plays. When you ask for opportunity, you must deliver. He's been very vocal about his opportunity, and he delivered."

Via Anthony Slater/ESPN

CaHgO · Post #2 » by **CaHgO** » Wed Oct 22, 2025 6:59 pm

Lol, yeah, he "matured" in 2 weeks time.

hyberx · Post #3 » by **hyberx** » Wed Oct 22, 2025 8:14 pm

It's nothing more than a rub on the head, hoping Kuminga would do better now that he got a contract. Also talking him up so he could be a viable trade asset.

Pickled Prunes · Post #4 » by **Pickled Prunes** » Wed Oct 22, 2025 8:30 pm

CaHgO wrote:Lol, yeah, he "matured" in 2 weeks time.

Kuminga waited 3 months for any team to believe in him enough to make GSW an offer anywhere near the price he set for himself. It has to be humbling and from humility comes growth!

Kuminga's career Per36 stats: 20/7/3 on 15 FGA's
Kuminga's Per36 stats from last season: 23/7/3 on 15 FGA's
Kuminga's 2025 preseason Per36 stats: 14/8/8 on 10 FGA's
Kuminga's Per36 stats from game 1: 19/10/7 on 12 FGA's

Kuminga's issue has always been his tunnel vision. He forgets that he's part of an offense. If he can keep his average AST over 6, his next contract will be exactly what he wants it to be. Despite his counting stats looking good, his ORtg last season was 108.4... Last night it was 137.8!

AwesomeLife · Post #5 » by **AwesomeLife** » Wed Oct 22, 2025 9:02 pm

Kuminga can be GSW 3rd option after Curry and Butler and often being 2nd option instead of Butler too. Most importantly Kuminga has to suck it up and has to find a way to learn from Draymond Green. If Kuminga can become a Draymond Green that can shoot and score on demand he can become one of the best players in the league. Easier said than done for sure, but watching him last night just reaffirmed that he can have a bright future in the league. Sadly until GSW start to consistently rely on him as 2nd/3rd option(depending on who is on the floor) it seems like they are only trying to boost his trade value and get rid of him in 3 months. Either way when he is not lost he is actually good, but someone has to work with him on understanding the game better, he has the talent and skills for the rest and its only a matter of time, so I just hope he can learn to understand the game and build up a basketball IQ - thats his biggest weakness.

Lockdown504090 · Post #6 » by **Lockdown504090** » Wed Oct 22, 2025 10:37 pm

AwesomeLife wrote:Kuminga can be GSW 3rd option after Curry and Butler and often being 2nd option instead of Butler too. Most importantly Kuminga has to suck it up and has to find a way to learn from Draymond Green. If Kuminga can become a Draymond Green that can shoot and score on demand he can become one of the best players in the league. Easier said than done for sure, but watching him last night just reaffirmed that he can have a bright future in the league. Sadly until GSW start to consistently rely on him as 2nd/3rd option(depending on who is on the floor) it seems like they are only trying to boost his trade value and get rid of him in 3 months. Either way when he is not lost he is actually good, but someone has to work with him on understanding the game better, he has the talent and skills for the rest and its only a matter of time, so I just hope he can learn to understand the game and build up a basketball IQ - thats his biggest weakness.

butler barely going to play. The guy has played more than 60 games once this decade. kuminga is in a great position, he just doesnt know it. butler is going to be a hustle guy by next season.