Warriors, Kerr, Butler, and the Kuminga Puzzle

JONATHAN KUMINGA WAS enjoying downtime when Jimmy Butler got in touch during the middle of September.

Butler was planning a player-centric retreat at his residence in San Diego the following week. The seasoned players desired everyone’s presence, specifically Kuminga, whom Butler intended to mentor directly, recognizing his intrinsic qualities and basketball aptitude.

“I have immense respect for him,” Butler shared with a media outlet. “I’m aware he has admirers, but I consider myself his biggest. He possesses all the necessary elements to reach the pinnacle. All he requires is guidance on how to effectively employ them.”

Kuminga contacted Butler to convey the update that discussions with the Warriors were at a standstill. A challenging period of restricted free agency was extending toward the training phase. He would be unable to attend the San Diego gathering. His connection with the organization was unstable and uncertain.

“It’s perfectly acceptable,” Butler recalled assuring Kuminga from his location. “You need to prioritize what benefits you. I appreciate your current circumstances. I don’t believe there are any negative feelings among the team. I support you. I observe a reflection of myself in you.”

Kuminga’s initial month of his fifth season with the Warriors has mirrored much of his previous time there. He displayed glimpses of potential, aided their strong 4-1 commencement, and garnered adequate confidence for coach Steve Kerr to officially designate him as a consistent starter.

“I believe he’s prepared,” Kerr stated. “His rebounding efforts, his aggressive drives to the basket, are what define his distinctiveness. When he performs to that degree, it significantly impacts our team.”

However, instability is ever-present.

The Warriors then experienced five defeats in their subsequent seven games. Kuminga’s turnovers increased, and his performance declined. In search of viable rotation options, Kerr repositioned Kuminga to a role off the bench, stirring up old frustrations.

“He feels as though he’s being singled out again,” mentioned a source close to the team.

Stephen Curry, who had been absent or ineffective in the prior seven contests due to an ailment, regained his form and recorded scores of 46 and 49 in San Antonio, commencing a three-game winning sequence just as Kuminga retreated into the background with knee discomfort, prompting more inquiries regarding his compatibility and future with the squad.

“His absence from the lineup isn’t the reason behind our victories,” Butler remarked. “We’re simply executing better basketball. Roles are more defined. We’re converting shots. We’re playing solid defense. It’s unrelated to him. If he were in the lineup, I still maintain that we’d secure these wins.”

For the Warriors to realize their maximum potential this season, there’s an underlying sentiment that Kuminga, despite potentially having fewer minutes, must dispel some of his accumulated resentment and revert to the impactful wing player from the initial weeks, regardless of whether the long-term outcome benefits both parties by improving his value on the trade market rather than fostering a true partnership.

He doesn’t become eligible for trades until a certain date, suggesting at least two additional months of a relationship that remains precarious. For it to be subtly repaired, there’s a quiet consensus among several individuals within the organization and connected to Kuminga that one particular voice has the greatest likelihood of achieving a breakthrough and steering everything toward a state of stability: Butler’s.

“I perceive that, within this league, he’s among those who have encountered similar experiences throughout their careers,” Kuminga noted. “And comprehends what I’ve been undergoing.”

Butler invited Kuminga to his home for a meal following a recent home game. He subsequently accompanied Kuminga again during the team’s latest journey.

“I recognize that he values my opinion,” Butler stated. “He respects me. And I never underestimate that. However, I’ll consistently offer him honest feedback. And when JK engages in unproductive behavior, I’ll inform him that we cannot tolerate that.”

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BUTLER AND KUMINGA have engaged in conversations regarding Butler’s career trajectory. This encompasses his initial period in Chicago. There are distinctions. Butler dedicated four years to collegiate play. He entered the league at 22 years old. Kuminga reached 23 last month, in the days preceding his fifth NBA season.

Therefore, they arrived at different stages of development but arrived at related judgments. Butler aspired to more offensively as he matured with the Bulls, yet felt limited by the defined structure, unable to surpass established perceptions and views.

“I think every player experiences that pivotal moment in their career when they know they’re capable of making a leap,” Butler said. “Some may suggest, ‘You’re not quite prepared for that yet.’ However, you possess a deeper understanding. I believe that’s where he currently stands. I previously reached that juncture.”

Conflict is inevitable, particularly after a summer of contract disagreements intensified animosity on all sides. Navigating the lows of an NBA season becomes more challenging, as another source close to the team conveyed, when the player perceives himself as a “human asset for trade.”

“[That desire for more] can be difficult for various individuals,” Butler remarked. “It can be challenging for teammates. It can be challenging for fans. It can be challenging for coaches. I firmly believe he possesses the potential to become a standout performer.

“Nevertheless, I concur with what Draymond [Green] articulated effectively. He commented, ‘Hey, you requested this.’ Consequently, all the dialogue surrounding them — favorable, unfavorable, or neutral — should not influence your identity. It should not influence your performance.”

Kuminga’s lengthy contract impasse concluded within 48 hours of training camp commencing. He finalized the agreement and resumed activities with the understanding of a flexible role off the bench. However, reduced playing time for Al Horford and a preseason calf injury sustained by Moses Moody opened an avenue. Kuminga’s positive attitude and displays during training camp earned him a spot in the starting lineup on opening night.

Kerr had been doubtful throughout the summer regarding lineup combinations that included Kuminga, Butler, and Green. Their combined presence resulted in a negative point differential in the previous season.

“I remained unconvinced until my perspective changed,” Kerr disclosed. “Even the opening night performance didn’t appear promising during the first half.”

Kerr stated that he addressed the team assertively during halftime of the opening night victory. His worries regarding the team’s spacing and offensive rhythm with Butler, Green, and Kuminga were proving to be accurate. However, the tide shifted during the third quarter.

“It centers around facilitating plays through Steph,” Kerr explained. “I reminded the team that initiating a ball screen for Steph or creating separation for him and then slipping the screen is what enables the offensive flow. JK excelled during that second half. He executed a backdoor layup on a slip, performed a split cut, moved to the perimeter, made a 3-pointer, and we secured the victory. Consequently, it appeared better during that second half, but it still didn’t completely convince me that this would be a reliable strategy.”

The Warriors were scheduled to face the Denver Nuggets. Kerr contacted Green and communicated his “intuition” to start Quinten Post at center against Nikola Jokic, wanting to limit Green’s early-season exposure to physical players.

“Dray, this pertains to the central matter that we’ve discussed,” Kerr recalled telling Green.

“Well, who would be removed from the lineup?” Green inquired, according to Kerr.

“Likely Kuminga,” Kerr responded.

“Let me assume the center position,” Green suggested. “I prefer that JK maintain his momentum.”

Kuminga participated for a significant duration during the win against the Nuggets. The Warriors performed well with a lineup that included Curry, Butler, Kuminga, Green, and Horford — a combination that had never been practiced together. Kuminga defended Jamal Murray in the critical moments. It represented the second instance of his streak of at least five rebounds.

“He had fulfilled all the expectations we placed on him,” Green observed. “And when a player fulfills all the demands, the response should not be removing them from the starting lineup.”

In the subsequent days, Kerr publicly declared his intention to maintain Kuminga as the fourth starter, irrespective of the opponent — indicating to Kuminga that he was gaining the nightly trust and consistent role he craved.

“It carries significance for him,” Kerr acknowledged during the team’s shootaround prior to the sixth game.

Kerr’s growing conviction that it could be effective, despite the unique blend, stemmed from both interactions and displays from Kuminga and Butler. Kuminga had repeatedly emphasized that he learned a great deal about playing alongside Butler during the playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he entered the starting lineup due to Curry’s injury.

“I don’t think JK had fully embraced the concept of attacking the basket, avoiding midrange shots until late in the possession, and positioning himself near the basket if Jimmy possesses the ball and Draymond is absent [during the regular season],” Kerr stated.

Butler made a conscious effort throughout training camp to mentor Kuminga, emphasizing the subtleties of the game. They began spending time together away from the court. Kuminga views Butler’s career path as a source of inspiration — a dynamic player who evolved into a leading scorer, never accepting limitations.

During one of the more productive discussions between Kuminga and Kerr prior to the season, Kerr said Kuminga told him: “I want you to know I’ve been working on my spacing with Jimmy. I’m ready to play with Jimmy. I know I can play with him.”

Butler and Kuminga played a significant number of minutes together in the first five games, and during that time, the Warriors outscored their opponents by a significant margin.

“[Kuminga] was committed to achieving it, and Jimmy was dedicated to helping him,” Kerr stated. “For me as a coach, success resolves every issue.”

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THE WARRIORS EXPERIENCED a couple of discouraging road losses to opposing teams missing key players. The seasoned members did not perform optimally, and Kuminga’s defensive efforts were inadequate on both occasions. Tension is prone to arise during a losing skid in the NBA.

Kuminga had expressed to Kerr a desire to receive more rigorous coaching. They had even met to discuss the subject prior to the ninth game, and Kerr visibly made a point of engaging Kuminga and offering constructive criticism at various points during the game.

However, the team’s record transitioned. Kuminga’s knee began to give him issues. His defensive impact and drive to the basket lessened. He had a poor shooting night at home, missing all attempts from beyond the arc. Coaches cited his perimeter shot choices as the reason for his reduced playing time. Butler and Kuminga were quick to highlight his rebounding as an indicator of his contribution.

Curry’s illness forced him to be absent for a number of games. The offense underperformed in his absence. Curry made his return but struggled. The defending champions soundly defeated the Warriors. Kuminga accounted for several of the team’s turnovers. Kerr and the seasoned players decided to adjust their approach. Kerr settled on a new starting lineup, and Green acknowledged that it’s more challenging to challenge decisions during a losing streak.

“We need to put Curry, Butler, and Green in positions that maximize their potential,” Kerr stated. “That’s what leads to success in this league. Every team possesses their top players. How effectively can you assist them and elevate their performance?”

Butler is a firm believer that success alleviates all problems. Consequently, he’s been urging Kuminga to cultivate winning habits — consistent defensive effort, aggressive rebounding, reduced turnovers, creative drives to the free-throw line, proper spacing, and willingness to defer when necessary.

However, he has also expressed his conviction in tactical modifications that could facilitate their success on the court together when Curry is either resting or unavailable — transitioning to a more calculated, methodical, isolation-based approach that would be more accommodating to Butler’s and Kuminga’s skill sets.

“The dynamic shifts entirely depending on whether Curry is in the game,” Butler clarified. “And if you’re still attempting to replicate the plays designed for Curry, it won’t be effective. I’m not suggesting that there should be an overreaction or that we should never employ those plays. I’m simply stating that Curry is a valuable asset.

“Therefore, it’s unfair to assume that anyone can’t perform with a specific lineup. If Curry is on the court, anyone can complement him.”

Kuminga missed the concluding games of the road trip due to knee discomfort. There’s a chance he’ll return during an upcoming, extended homestand that should include a number of practices. That period could provide an ideal opportunity to intentionally integrate Kuminga back into the mix.

“Consider what we can accomplish when he enters the game from the bench,” Green suggested. “We can feature him. That’s what he needs. However, it necessitates time. There hasn’t been much practice. He’s experiencing knee problems. Let’s focus on restoring his health, and then we’ll integrate him. It’s a long season. He’s going to be instrumental in numerous victories.”

Butler is presented with that concept.

“Even with that approach, he must understand that it’s not solely about scoring,” Butler emphasized. “I’m perfectly content with assuming a secondary role, enabling him to showcase his abilities. I’m willing to position myself near the basket, set screens. I have no objections. However, what must we accomplish?”

Reduce turnovers?

“No,” Butler stated. “We need to secure the victory. That’s the only priority. I have no other concerns.”

To achieve success at the highest level in a competitive environment, Butler and Green believe they require a impactful iteration of Kuminga at pivotal moments. That thought is widely shared within the organization. However, it’s increasingly reliant on Butler to be the voice that guides that along.

“Well, it’s because he’s been hearing the same opinions for quite a while,” Butler clarified.

He references his personal experiences again.

“Can you imagine being in a situation where — are you valued or not?” Butler asked. “That’s an extremely unpleasant feeling. Can you envision it? I had to navigate that scenario. It’s as if, ‘I’ve invested my time here. Why are we even questioning this?’ It’s an unfortunate position to be in. Regardless of your actions, you never feel like you’re doing enough.

“So he’s grappling with numerous emotions, which is perfectly acceptable,” Butler continued. “I simply need to stay connected with him, assure him of my unwavering support, and emphasize that we’re all in his corner. I don’t believe anyone intends to undermine him. Fans or media might, but those within the organization don’t. I promise you.”