Report: Warriors bench Kuminga before Pelicans game first aired on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors are benching forward Jonathan Kuminga ahead of Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Kendra Andrews reported, citing sources.
The Warriors will move forward Jonathan Kuminga to the bench for tonight’s game against the Pelicans, sources said. @kendra__andrews. It was an interesting twist in his fourth season as extensions were not completed on either side and the team discussed preparing him to take the next step. pic.twitter.com/RxYOq3nuuj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 30, 2024
According to Charania and Andrews, manager Steve Kerr plans to start Brandin Podzemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis against New Orleans.
The Warriors will start Brandin Podzemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis, sources said. @Shams Charania .
Curry, Wiggins and Melton were sidelined as a result, and Kuminga was placed on the bench. https://t.co/FGLpyGLD6X
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 30, 2024
The Warriors are without Stephen Curry (left peroneal muscle injury), Andrew Wiggins (lower back injury) and De’Anthony Melton (lower back injury).
Curry and Melton have been ruled out for Wednesday’s second home game against the Pelicans. Coach Kerr deemed Wiggins questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Coach Kerr was asked before Tuesday’s game about Kuminga, who has struggled through the first three games of the season.
Coach Kerr told reporters, “Three games is no big deal.” “I would never worry about such a small sample size. JK had a really good preseason. He’ll be back. We’re going to need his power and his athleticism, And tonight could be a big night for him.”In that regard, it depends on how the game plays out, but obviously we’re playing with 12 men each game, and the players aren’t playing as much. Therefore, it will be a little difficult for each individual to find a rhythm. I’m not worried about JK at all. He’ll be back. ”
Kuminga is averaging 8.0 points on 33.3 percent shooting in 19.7 minutes over three games this season, and averaged 16.1 points on 52.9 percent shooting last year.
Kuminga had until Oct. 21 to sign a rookie contract extension, but was unable to reach an agreement with the Warriors, meaning he will become a restricted free agent after this season.
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