- Steve Kerr revealed that part of his reservation in playing Jonathan Kuminga recently was due to playing him with Jimmy Butler.
- With Butler sidelined, Kuminga will have a greater role, as evidenced by his 20-point performance against the Raptors after returning from injury.
- Kerr emphasized the importance of starting lineup decisions amid the team’s current situation without their second-best player.
- The Warriors’ rotations and starting lineups are in flux, with Draymond Green suggesting a new approach to game planning without Butler.
Key Highlights
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, provided insights into the team’s decision-making process regarding player rotations and starting lineups. A key factor in this was the recent benching of Jonathan Kuminga, which Kerr attributed partly to the playing dynamics with Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga’s Role with Butler
According to Kerr, one significant reason for not frequently deploying Kuminga alongside Jimmy Butler has been their combination on the court. “I think part of the reservation of playing him in recent weeks is that it’s tough to play him with Jimmy,” said Kerr during an interview with 95.7 The Game.
Kerr further elaborated, stating that Butler and Kuminga do not fit well together due to spacing concerns within the team’s offensive strategy. This dynamic has limited their playing time together significantly over recent weeks.
Role of Kuminga without Butler
The absence of Jimmy Butler has opened up new opportunities for Kuminga, as evidenced by his performance against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Kuminga scored 20 points in that game, showcasing his readiness and ability to contribute significantly.
“He knew he was going to play,” Kerr mentioned, referring to Kuminga’s preparation and commitment before the game. The coach was pleased with how Kuminga managed to stay ready and maintain his rhythm during this crucial period.
Warriors’ Rotations and Future Planning
The injury to Jimmy Butler has forced the Warriors to reassess their lineup strategies, particularly regarding who starts games and what combinations make sense. Kerr stated, “We have not gotten there yet. We haven’t even decided yet who’s going to start.”
Draymond Green, in an interview with Dubs Talk Podcast, expressed concern about the team’s upcoming challenges without Butler, emphasizing the need for a dominant shot creator in certain game situations.
Impact on Team Performance
The absence of Kuminga over 16 games last season led to a mixed performance from the Warriors. This season, their record shows a significant difference: they are 9-10 with Kuminga playing and 16-10 without him.
Kerr highlighted that finding consistency in rotations and starting lineups has been crucial for the team’s recent positive run, which included a 12-4 stretch prior to Butler’s injury. However, this new scenario necessitates reevaluation of their strategic approach.
The Warriors face an uncertain future without their second-best player but are optimistic about Kuminga’s potential impact moving forward as his role expands in the absence of Jimmy Butler.