Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins publicly criticized Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr for what he described as a repeated failure to develop young players, singling out the situation involving forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Speaking on Run It Back, Cousins said, “He just doesn’t handle young talent well. He doesn’t develop young talent,” citing Kuminga’s inconsistent usage and the breakdown in trust after several DNP-CDs during the postseason.
Cousins claimed Kerr “ruined that relationship,” pointing to Kuminga’s limited minutes and past examples like Jordan Poole, who was developed under Kerr but later traded.
Kuminga, 22, is entering restricted free agency this offseason after averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists during the 2024-25 regular season.
The Warriors are expected to extend a $7.9 million qualifying offer to retain control over Kuminga’s rights, though sign-and-trade discussions remain a possibility.
At his end-of-season press conference, Kuminga admitted uncertainty about his future, repeatedly saying, “I don’t know,” when asked about his next steps.
While emphasizing growth and calling the season “successful,” Kuminga acknowledged the ups and downs in his four-year tenure in Golden State.
He said he plans to remain local this summer to improve his game and continue communicating with the coaching staff.
Kuminga’s playoff role diminished significantly despite a regular season in which he emerged as one of Golden State’s key young contributors.
Team owner Joe Lacob has remained vocal in his support for Kuminga, stating, “He’s got a hell of a lot of potential, and I would think he would be a part of our future plans.”
Internal discussions about Kuminga’s fit with veterans like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are ongoing, as the team evaluates how to construct next season’s roster.
Spacing issues and overlapping offensive roles have made rotations more complicated, though Butler has reportedly expressed interest in working out with Kuminga this offseason to improve chemistry.
