Kerr Discusses Kuminga and Why He is Being Benched

The relationship between Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga has always been tumultuous. There have been moments of high praise and moments of extreme disappointment and benching. This up-and-down relationship has caused a lot of friction not only between Kuminga and Kerr, but between Warriors fans and the Warriors' front office. 

It has been frustrating to see Kuminga show flashes of brilliance and then be benched a few days later when he looks like a chicken with its head cut off. Steve Kerr talked about this inconsistency when asked about his most recent benching of Kuminga. 

“He’s obviously a guy with a lot of ambition, which I love. He wants to be a star. He’s got the ability that gives him that hope and gives us that hope. There has to be a consistent level of play in order to achieve that... 

We’re talking about the best basketball league in the world, so the consistency has to be there for us. And if it’s not there, then it makes it much more difficult for me to give him consistent minutes and give him starts. So that’s what we’re asking for is a more consistent level of production."

All Kerr has ever asked from Kuminga is consistent defense effort and focus. It is expected that a young player like Kuminga will have ups and downs on offense, but effort and defensive intensity are things players can bring every game. 

Just look at Brandin Podziemski. He has much less raw talent than Kuminga, but plays hard every night. This has made Kerr trust Podziemski and play him more than Kuminga, even though the Warriors need Kuminga's size and versatility. 

This inconsistency and lack of trust from Kerr are likely going to be the reasons Kuminga gets traded. Hopefully, wherever he lands next, he will have the opportunity to prove that he can be the star he thinks he is.