Recouping from the loss of a system player is supposed to be tough. With the “competition” residing within the Warriors, every hooper has shown growth and a strong desire to be a part of the rotation. The microscope, though, has long anticipated the movement of Jonathan Kuminga. Since Klay Thompson‘s departure, there’ve been questions about the youngster’s stature in the rotations. “I’m going to have a hard time playing JK at the 3,” Steve Kerr had said before any preseason game.

Then, no matter what combination the seasoned head coach opted for, Jonathan Kuminga found a place. Even the explosive forward was optimistic before the preseason began. The hooper had spoken passionately about improving his three-point shooting, the one weakness that kept the head coach from regularly putting him in the starting lineup. But more than the glaring issue, there is something else Kerr wants to polish with Kuminga.

“Again, we are really pushing him to run the floor. I mean, that’s his gift,” the Bay Area side’s HC said. The constant reminder to Jonathan Kuminga is to always remain in full throttle, rather than give in to trotting temptations. “He has a tendency at times to get into a home-run trot instead of going Usain Bolt and springing as fast as he can. And when he does that, you feel the impact.”

It’s fair to say Jonathan Kuminga has followed the instructions more often than not. The 6’8″ forward preached the methods of Kerr during media day, and with the opportunities given, he hasn’t disappointed.

Not only has the youngster astronomically improved the quality of his three-point shots, but his defensive versatility has adorned his preseason campaign. In 6 games, he has recorded a 100 defensive rating. The previous year he recorded a 112 in the regular season.

Still, while Steve Kerr is satisfied with the vigor and increased energy of Jonathan Kuminga, there are still some defensive woes the mastermind wants to filter out. ” It’s really more a matter of being in the right spot. So that when he closes out on players he’s on balance… He’s getting better and he will keep working. But you know, he has his moments where you see it and you know he can be more consistent,” he said about the 22-year-old in a presser.

Lineup uncertainty will force Steve Kerr to make painful decisions

With a core part of their system gone, Steve Kerr started the training camp with no rough image of a starting lineup. The only guaranteed starters without surprise were Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Everything from there became a play of combinations and figuring out the ones that didn’t work. The Warriors HC experimented with six different starting lineups during the preseason contests. So where does he stand as far as clarity goes for their season opener against the Trail Blazers?

“We have a whole roster full of guys who are capable of being in the rotation. I have some really difficult decisions to make Wednesday night in Portland,” Kerr admitted after the win against the Lakers.

Moses Moody, the forward who entered with Jonathan Kuminga, has been the most prominent contributor in the six games. The 22-year-old has led the Bay in scoring while shooting a stunning 39.4% from deep. At the same time, Hield and Melton have played their parts as per the expectations set on them.

Steve Kerr painfully admitted that despite some sublime performances, not all can possibly get a chance at making the season rotation. However, with everyone producing well and at a league-ready level, his concerns for the long season have condensed.

“I think we are going to be well suited to play through injuries and any other absences. We are prepared and well stocked to put a really good group of players out there,” Kerr mentioned.

Who do you think will make the final cut for Steve Kerr and the Warriors? Let us know your views in the comments below.