Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga returned to the rotation Thursday night after a nearly two-week absence, playing 9:31 in a 99-98 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The 23-year-old finished with two points, four rebounds, an assist and a turnover on 1-for-5 shooting in his first appearance since being benched before the Dec. 7 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Kuminga was removed from the starting lineup before a Nov. 12 win over the San Antonio Spurs, then missed seven games with a knee injury. He struggled after returning Nov. 29 before Steve Kerr pulled him from the rotation entirely. Kuminga has been in and out of Kerr’s rotation throughout his entire NBA career.
“He was good,” Kerr said. “We wanted him to get out there and use his speed and athleticism, set screens, dives. He’s handled himself really well this last week, and I wanted to reward that.”
Kuminga expressed satisfaction playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green again. He emphasized his familiarity with the veterans after several years together in Golden State’s system.
“It felt good,” Kuminga said. “I feel like I fit perfect with them. I’ve been playing with them for a couple years now. I know how they play and I know where to be when they’re playing when we’re on the floor.”
Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds this season. He has worked to maintain his conditioning and rhythm during the extended absence from game action.
“Working out every day,” Kuminga said. “Staying sharp, watching film. I watch them play every day. Just try to stay in shape and everything will just handle itself.”
Kuminga can be traded starting Jan. 15 after signing a two-year, $48.5 million deal with a team option during training camp. Kuminga’s $23.4 million annual average salary is similar to Jabari Smith Jr.’s new extension with the Houston Rockets and the one signed by PJ Washington with the Dallas Mavericks.
The forward said he is not focused on speculation surrounding his future with the franchise.
“I don’t look at that,” Kuminga said of trade rumors. “I think when it comes, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I don’t put my mind focusing on that. Because it’s gonna take me out of (the present) so I don’t even think about stuff like that.”