Here’s a shocking truth about the NBA: even the highest-paid players can find themselves benched, and Jonathan Kuminga’s recent DNP (Did Not Play) with the Golden State Warriors is a prime example. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite being the team’s fourth-highest paid player, Kuminga was left out of the 11-man rotation in Sunday’s 123-91 blowout win over the Chicago Bulls, even with key stars like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford sidelined. And this is the part most people miss—this isn’t just about one game; it’s a reflection of Kuminga’s ongoing struggle to find his place in an organization that seems to value him financially but not consistently on the court.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr explained the decision matter-of-factly: ‘Happens to everybody pretty much, other than the stars. Guys come in and out of the rotation, depending on who’s available, how the team is playing.’ Yet, for Kuminga, this feels like more than just a rotational shift. His fifth season with the Warriors mirrors the inconsistency of his previous four—fluctuating minutes, availability issues, and a lack of trust from the organization. Even his two-year, $46.8 million contract, signed after a contentious restricted free agency, felt like a compromise rather than a victory, with league sources suggesting he was forced into a team-friendly, tradeable deal.
The season started with a glimmer of hope. Kuminga began as the starting power forward, playing a pivotal role in the team’s 4-1 start. Kerr even labeled him the entrenched starter. But, as often happens in Kuminga’s tenure, the momentum shifted. After 13 games, he was benched, then sidelined for seven more due to knee tendinitis. Since his return, he’s struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 12 of 40 in four games. The low point came in Cleveland, where Kerr replaced him with reserve forward Gui Santos in the fourth quarter of a crucial win.
Here’s the bold question: Is Kuminga’s benching a fair coaching decision, or is it a sign of deeper issues between player and organization? Kerr insists it’s about competition and performance, stating, ‘There’s always someone knocking down the door trying to get your job.’ But Kuminga’s response is telling: ‘As long as things are working out there and we’re winning, I don’t see the point of switching anything.’ His professionalism is undeniable, but the frustration is palpable.
The Warriors’ recent success without Kuminga complicates matters. Players like Pat Spencer, Quinten Post, and Brandin Podziemski have stepped up, delivering inspired performances. With Curry and Green expected to return soon, Kuminga’s path to playing time looks even narrower. And with his trade eligibility starting January 15, rumors of a potential split before the February deadline are swirling. League sources suggest the Warriors are actively exploring the trade market for Kuminga.
Kuminga, however, remains focused on the present. ‘I keep everything that happened in the summer in the past,’ he said. ‘I can’t focus on everything at the same time.’ Kerr has been urging him to run the floor harder, make quicker decisions, and avoid settling for mid-range jumpers. Their relationship, Kuminga insists, is solid: ‘We talk and figure out things. We don’t have any problem.’
But here’s the real question for you: Is Kuminga’s situation a result of his own inconsistencies, or is he being unfairly sidelined by an organization that never fully embraced him? Let us know in the comments—this is a debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions. One thing is clear: Kuminga’s future with the Warriors hangs in the balance, and the coming weeks could define his NBA career.
