The reason why Steve Kerr has "fallen in love" with Kuminga again

Before the start of the 2025/26 NBA season, it seemed like Jonathan Kuminga's future was far from the Golden State Warriors. The player was not renewing, and everything indicated a possible trade. However, he ended up renewing, and now he is one of Steve Kerr's favorites.

The Warriors have found a new version of himself in Jonathan Kuminga at the start of the 2025-26 season. In his fifth year in the NBA, the Congolese forward seems to have made a qualitative leap that has not gone unnoticed by his coach, Steve Kerr, who did not hesitate to praise his maturity and impact on the collective game.

During his first three appearances this season, Kuminga has shown significant progress in reading the game and decision-making, aspects that Kerr considers essential in his development.

“His passes have improved drastically,” the coach stated after the 139-119 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. “He has made many good passes, not only in the games but also in practice. He is seeing the court better. I like his approach, I like the vibe he brings. He is confident. He feels part of the group and what we are trying to build.”

The change is not only noticeable in the coach's speech but also in the statistics. Kuminga averages 4.0 assists per game, more than double the 1.8 he had recorded throughout his first four seasons in the NBA. Furthermore, he has taken on a much more significant role in the rotation, averaging 31 minutes per game, his highest figure since joining the league.

A more complete and mature player

Kuminga's progress comes after a busy summer marked by contractual negotiations that extended his future with the Warriors. However, according to Kerr, the 23-year-old has managed to keep his focus on basketball and regain the respect and confidence of the team. “After all the contract stuff, I think his teammates —Jimmy [Butler], Steph [Curry], [Draymond Green]— were incredible with him. They reminded him that what's contractual is contractual. The important thing is the daily work,” the coach explained.

And that work is evident on the court. Apart from his assists, Kuminga is showing a more advanced tactical understanding, finding his teammates in the right places and executing patiently in high-pressure situations. His usual explosiveness adds to this: his spectacular dunks against Portland served as a reminder of why his athletic potential has always been one of the most impressive of his generation.

Golden State is going through a phase of balance between the experience of its veterans and the growth of its new generation of talents, with Kuminga emerging as the connecting piece between both generations. “JK has had a really good start to the season,” Kerr acknowledged. “I am proud of how he is playing and excited for what lies ahead for him and the team.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La razón por la que Steve Kerr se ha vuelto a "enamorar" de Kuminga