Jonathan Kuminga has started to develop chemistry with his Golden State Warriors teammates, including head coach Steve Kerr. In the past, the coach has struggled to incorporate Kuminga in his system. The 6-foot-8 forward isn’t a sharp shooter like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. It was one of the reasons why it was hard for Kerr to utilize his skills on the floor.
In the 2025-26 NBA season, Kuminga has been part of the starting lineup in the first three games. Although he hasn’t been the top scorer for the Warriors, he’s made significant contributions to the franchise that drafted him. The athletic forward has averaged 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and four assists to start the campaign.
Kuminga has shown his urgency to contribute to the team despite the rocky offseason he had with Golden State. During the summer, there was a prolonged contract talk between the forward and the franchise. It ultimately led him to sign a two-year, $48.5 million extension.
Following his decent start to the year, Kerr had high praise for what he saw from the Warriors forward. The head coach commented on the player’s passing and vibe.
“His passing has improved dramatically. He has made so many good passes, not only in games but also in practices,” Kerr said.
“I think he’s seeing the floor better. I just like the approach, I like the vibe that he’s bringing. He’s confident. He definitely feels like part of the team and what we’re trying to do. After all the contract stuff I just think his teammates have been so good, Jimmy [Butler], Steph [Curry], [Draymond Green] all welcoming him back with open arms and reminding him that contract stuff is contract stuff.”
It’s still early in the year, and Kuminga could show more as the team seeks to contend for the championship.
Warriors’ Draymond Green lauds Kuminga’s improvement following a strong season opener
The Warriors had a strong start to their season, with a 119-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Kuminga started the game and finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists. He was disciplined on the floor and shot an efficient 54.5%.
Following the game, Draymond Green spoke highly of his younger teammate, especially on his growth as a player.
“His performance was great, but that rebound is what everyone in the world’s been waiting to see,” Green said. “…If you have superstar potential, you’re gonna make big plays. Those are game-winning plays.”
“That rebound is what everyone in the world’s been waiting to see… got superstar potential. You go make big plays… He’s been very vocal about his opportunity, and he delivered.”
Draymond on Kuminga pic.twitter.com/W5pK7g79ap
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 22, 2025
Despite everything that went on over the summer, Kuminga was still able to find his footing with Golden State.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
