Jonathan Kuminga’s dramatic two-year exit from the Golden State Warriors was, at its core, a product of a strained relationship between the player and coach Steve Kerr. Kuminga believes he’s a star, while Kerr believes he’s closer to Shawn Marion or Aaron Gordon.
A Wednesday-morning report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater shed light on just how we got here. Kerr is a staunch believer in tough love and doesn’t hand out “free” developmental minutes. After all, the Warriors won a title in Kuminga’s rookie season – there was no room for development. Kuminga grew into his role through the dawn of his career, breaking out as a potential star in his third season, while Draymond Green missed a total of 17 games after assaulting Rudy Gobert and Jusuf Nurkic.
Last season, however, was a contract year for the once-promising prospect. The season came and went, and Kuminga found himself with no suitors willing to give him a desired contract. Phoenix and Sacramento called with sign-and-trade offers, but the Warriors were not interested in the potential return: Malik Monk, Grayson Allen, or Royce O’Neal.
While the contract nonsense certainly angered Kuminga, the crux of the issue was his contentious relationship with Kerr.
Kuminga’s Kerr problem is now a Quin Snyder problem
Kuminga had many bones to pick with Kerr: that nobody from the organization visited him last offseason; that Kerr viewed Pat Spencer as a superior late-clock option; that he was benched; that, after being benched, Kerr took a perceived pot shot by explicitly calling him not a star; that he received DNP-CDs.
Hawks fans may feel a sense of deja vu reading this, as this doesn’t seem too far off from the issues that have plagued Zaccharie Risacher’s short career.
Indeed, Snyder has been criticized heavily for his handling of Risacher. The former number one pick was instantly thrust into the starting lineup, but this was the only modicum of grace he’s received thus far.
He’s sat at a strangely consistent 24 minutes a night over the past two seasons. When the Hawks had a full supporting cast that seemed destined to make the playoffs, Risacher played 24 minutes. When the Hawks were held together by scotch tape and borderline NBA players after an injury-plagued end to the 2024-25 season, Risacher played 24 minutes.
Risacher’s frustrations have boiled over, too. The former top pick was quite upset with Snyder mid-game earlier this season after being pulled despite an excellent performance, yelling and pointing before being restrained by Mo Gueye. Snyder didn’t even look at Risacher during this exchange, outside of an initial reaction to hearing the commotion.
I have some faith that Kuminga can rehabilitate his career, and the Hawks must as well, given their trade for him. But if Snyder treats him like Risacher, we can call it wraps now: the Kuminga experiment will be a failure.