Kerr shares honest thoughts on Jonathan Kuminga's uncertain role.
The Golden State Warriors have been through a rocky stretch this season, and few players have felt the ups and downs more than Jonathan Kuminga.
After starting the year strong, the fourth-year forward has seen his minutes shrink in recent weeks, and head coach Steve Kerr had a lot to say about the situation following Wednesday's practice.
Kerr Addresses Kuminga's Role
After sitting out Sunday's blowout win over the Bulls with a DNP-CD, Kuminga had a one-on-one conversation with his coach before practice on December 10th, and Kerr came away encouraged.
"He had a great practice today. We had a talk before practice. He did the things I asked him to do," Kerr said.
The coach then opened up about how tough the situation has been for the young forward, noting that Kuminga's role has been in flux based on what the team needs.
"I do feel for him that he has been sort of at the whim of my decision-making based on what I want to see from our team," Kerr added.
A Rough December For Kuminga
Through 17 games this season, the 23-year-old is averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, a step back from his 15.3 points per game last season.
December has been especially tough for Kuminga, as he has put up just 7.0 points on 25 percent shooting while averaging under 20 minutes in three appearances this month.
His most recent outing came in Saturday's win over Cleveland, where he went 1-for-10 from the field for four points in 22 minutes, though he did grab seven rebounds and dish out three assists.
The Warriors currently sit at 13-12, placing them eighth in the Western Conference. Golden State went 3-2 during Stephen Curry's five-game absence, going 2-1 on their recent Eastern Conference road trip.
Curry's Return and What's Next
The good news for Golden State is that Curry is expected to return for Friday's home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after recovering from a left quadriceps injury suffered on November 26th.
The two-time MVP rejoined his teammates at practice on Wednesday.
The Warriors face a tough stretch heading into Christmas, with games against the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Suns and Magic on the schedule.
How Kuminga fits into those plans remains uncertain, but Kerr made it clear he wants to see the young forward succeed.
"My desire for JK is for him to become the best player he can be, regardless of where he ends up, whether it's here or elsewhere," Kerr said.
For now, Kuminga will have to prove himself in practice and be ready whenever his number is called.