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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Gilbert Arenas is simply stumped by how Steve Kerr and the Warriors are progressing. Downhill. In the recent episode of Gil’s Arena, the 3x All-Star gives Kerr something to think about. The topic of discussion is none other than Jonathan Kuminga. A 2021 draft pick, Jonathan Kuminga, is in his third year with GSW and on the express lane to stardom.

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A consistent performer, especially in Draymond Green’s absence, the 21-year-old forward has turned heads with his on-court skills. Unfortunately, his efforts do not seem to produce the desired results.

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Arenas gives a two-worded solution to the Jonathan Kuminga issue

Namely, longer minutes on the court. An issue that has bubbled over and Kuminga reportedly made his frustrations known. But Arenas comes up with a solution. Although it wasn’t meant so, amid his rant against the franchise and their coach, Gil manages to say the two magic words – load management.

But not before calling him out, of course. “Your team’s sh*t!” No mincing of words. No sugarcoating. Just giving it straight. But then again, we wouldn’t expect anything less from one of the most vocal ex-NBA players. Load management was one hot potato when the league announced its new resting policy.

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Primarily upgraded for the benefit of viewership, player participation, and fan engagement, not necessarily in that order; the new policy aims to get NBA’s star players on-court for more games. Even so, we can still see many players listed as ‘questionable,’ or ‘probable’ before every game.

Getting Kuminga to take the place of Curry, Thompson, or Green when they are “resting” will provide Steve Kerr the best of both worlds. At least it should, as suggested by Arenas. The Warriors have stated on multiple occasions that they want Jonathan Kuminga on the team. So what exactly is in the books for one of the two remaining draft picks?

Read More: NBA Trade Rumors: Will Warriors Swap Jonathan Kuminga for Pascal Siakam? Raptors Have a Chance to Pounce on Steve Kerr’s Dilemma

Will the Warriors part ways with Kuminga?

The young forward has stepped up to his role and met the demands his position has asked of him. His athletic prowess has proved to be crucial for a roster that isn’t exactly athletic. There is no doubt that Kuminga is an attractive option for teams looking for a trade with the Warriors. With another season left in his rookie contract at $7.6 million, he has already proven his mettle.

And he is just getting warmed up. If GSW decides to trade him, it will be because they are certain of the return on investment. But if they keep him, he must see more minutes on the floor. If not, as Arenas pointed out, when it’s time for bigger shots, he will still be in a rookie mindset. And that is not going to benefit anyone.

Hopefully, the fierce commitment the Dubs have to their veteran core will not blind them to the future of the franchise. They have already packed off 10 players out of the 12 they landed from the five drafts from 2018 to 2022. Only Moses Moody and Kuminga are left.

With Feb 8th getting closer, the Warriors are going to be in for dramatic decision-making.

Watch This Story: Steve Kerr Admits Losing Sleep Over Moses Moody Mess Up: “I Deserve All the Heat…”

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Geisha Pulimoottil Don

1,727 Articles

Geisha P. Don is an NBA Editor at EssentiallySports, where she manages a team of five reporters. A literature graduate, she brings a writer's empathy to her coverage, delving into the human side of athletes' lives. In her two years with the organization, she has handled high-stakes coverage of major events, including the 2024 NBA Finals and the Paris Olympics. Her distinct editorial voice combines on-court action with a keen focus on off-court culture, from player fashion and trade season drama to the personal stories that surround the game. Geisha believes athletes are more than just players, and her coverage of figures like Savannah James and Ayesha Curry reflects her broader appreciation for the NBA’s entire ecosystem. She is also an experienced journalist in live-event coverage and play-by-play commentary through Live Blogs. A devoted Golden State Warriors fan, Geisha's interests extend beyond basketball to crime thrillers and K-dramas.

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Sameen Nawathe

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