The Golden State Warriors chose not to select Jonathan Kuminga once again.
Steve Kerr is staying steadfast to his selections, choosing to overlook Jonathan Kuminga for the Golden Warriors opening playoff game.
Just like their end of season game with the LA Clippers, and the Play-In Tournament game with the Memphis Grizzlies, Jonathan Kuminga was a DNP.
And with the Warriors winning against the Grizzlies, and their road playoff opener against the Houston Rockets , Steve Kerr has justify his calls.
Jonathan Kuminga DNP still a talking point
Jonathan Kuminga being overlooked has led to speculation he will leave the Golden State Warriors in the off-season.
Kendrick Perkins was among those who demanded Steve Kerr call Kuminga up for the playoffs, which he chose not to do for Game 1 against the Rockets.
Despite struggling with their own three-point shooting, Golden State emerged as 95-85 winners in a low-scoring contest.
Speaking on his podcast, Bill Simmons questioned the Warriors not calling on Jonathan Kuminga once again, compared to Quinten Post.
Simmons observed: “I just find it hard to believe Kuminga can’t play 12 minutes a game for this team. I just find it hard to believe he wouldn’t have been better than those 12 Quinten Post minutes.”
Co-host Ryen Russillo hit back: “Don’t you have to defer to Kerr on this one though?”
Simmons responded: “I get it. That’s why I tiptoe into it. I’m just hesitant. But at least with Kuminga, he’s unafraid, he’s athletic and he is gonna fight.
“Like they just have dudes that are out there where you’re like, man, what’s this gonna look like if you’re playing OKC in a series?”
Jonathan Kuminga could have a role as series progresses
Speaking ahead of the opening game of the series, Steve Kerr defended his decision-making, and admitted he believes Kuminga cannot play alongside Jimmy Butler.
Butler played a game-high 42 minutes for the Warriors, leaving no space for Kuminga.
As the series progresses, or the playoffs, the Warriors may have to utilise Butler more efficiently, potentially opening up space for Kuminga.
Despite this, Richard Jefferson recently stated that if any series comes down to a game seven, Kuminga is likely to be back as a DNP.
