With Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II sidelined due to a thumb injury, head coach Steve Kerr sees an opportunity for forward Jonathan Kuminga to step up and assume some of the key defensive responsibilities that Payton typically handles.
In a video shared by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Kerr emphasized that Kuminga is the natural choice to fill that role.
“It opens up an opportunity for JK to be that defensive stopper, the guy we’ve relied on Gary to be,” Kerr explained.
“JK’s the obvious guy. Put him on the best offensive player, pick up full (court), and harass people like Gary does. I’m going to ask JK to do that. It definitely opens up more minutes for him if he’s effective with that.”
Kuminga, who has averaged just 23.4 minutes per game in eight appearances since recovering from an ankle sprain, didn’t have a specific defensive assignment in Friday’s game against New Orleans, as the Pelicans were without several of their top scorers.
However, if he can embrace the role Kerr envisions, he could see increased playing time moving forward.
Kuminga has played 4 seasons for the Warriors. He has averaged 12.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 251 regular-season games.
He has won 1 NBA championship.
Western Notes: Curry, Kuminga, Collier, Fertitta https://t.co/qvB4Le9Czt pic.twitter.com/96rAL3RsT8
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 29, 2025
