The Dubs Nation is about to witness a new, admirable coach-player relationship in the upcoming season. Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry, over the years, have given fans many wholesome moments from the courtside. But now, it’s time for a new chapter. The player is none other than Jonathan Kuminga. Shocking, right? Well, not long ago, the duo had a brewing cold war, and it has turned into a healthy relationship. Moreover, the 22-year-old’s latest empathetic response to Kerr’s dilemma stood tall as proof.

In the last season, fans witnessed a breakout season from Kuminga, and there is a brief history of feud with Kerr behind that performance. Around the 2024 new year, several reports suggested a rift between the duo over minutes’ allocation. And, it certainly made the difference, as Kuminga produced a 16.1 ppg season. Amid the rumors, a few months later, the star forward stood up for his coach at the post-game press conference.

Following the win over the Sacramento Kings in the third preseason game, Jonathan Kuminga picked up the mic to address the press. At that time, the 6 ‘7 forward addressed the team’s growing trouble. Following an underwhelming season, not making it to the playoffs, the team heads into the fresh season without Klay Thompson. As demoralizing as it sounds, the team also made a few crucial additions like Kyle Anderson, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield, who will definitely make a huge difference.

However, these additions come with a problem. The team has too many core and role players. So, indeed, a difficult position for Kerr to decide the right mix. Until now, Andrew Wiggins hasn’t played a single game in the preseason, so Kuminga found an easy spot in the starting lineup. It might go for a toss once he makes a comeback and, in turn, it will disrupt the overall second unit. Speaking of this, Kuminga empathized with Kerr and said, “Everyone knows how to play, everyone is capable of playing. So, it’s going to be hard Coach Steve to pick who’s gonna play.” Nevertheless, Kuminga confidently said that the Warriors would outwin this challenge.

Do Jonathan Kuminga and Steve Kerr really have a feud?

“Me and him — this is one thing I learned growing up, I feel like you wouldn’t fight with anybody if you don’t like them,” this is Kuminga’s latest statement about his relationship with Kerr. So, the star forward himself acknowledged that the duo had a locker room misunderstanding. And, now it seemed to have gone for a toss, heading into the fresh season.

Moreover, JK further added, “I feel like me and Steve’s relationship is good. That’s why … we don’t fight, none of that. It’s just that he’s always hard on me because he sees what I probably don’t see. And he wants better for me.” On the other hand, Steve Kerr has also seemed to have grown past the feud.

Ahead of the preseason game, the star coach gave wings to the 22-year-old to fly. Speaking of Kuminga’s three-point improvement, Kerr said, “That’s what I’ve been telling him. We want that shot. We want him, if he’s open, to let it fly.” Will this duo fetch another ring for the Warriors? Let us know in the comments below.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.