Draymond believes media disproportionately exaggerated Kuminga’s ‘bank’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green believes that the controversy over The Warriors’ recent benching of Jonathan Kuminga It’s being exaggerated.
The 34-year-old superstar explained why Kuminga was moved to the bank and why it’s no big deal during a segment on “Draymond’s Green Show.“
“It was 100 percent over the top,” Green said. “That’s why you see JK come into the game the same way he came into the game with his foot on the gas. And he entered the game with a strength (we needed it) to play.
“A completely exaggerated reaction because the reality is that the lineup changes (with Steph Curry not playing). Since Steph is not there, more shots need to be added in different locations. Unlike JK being involved, we added Moses (Moody) and Buddy (Hield) because you need that shot to space the floor.”
With Golden State has a lot of depth To start the season, Steve Kerr has been experimenting with starting lineups. Given Steph Curry’s ankle injury, the Warriors have turned to Hield and Moody to score from beyond the 3-point line.
The Warriors are relying on Kuminga to provide a stronger presence around the rim, and the 22-year-old has played exceptionally well in recent games off the bench.
This is not the first time Kuminga has been involved in a benching controversy, as he clashed with Kerr over playing time last season, sitting out during crucial portions of decisive time.
Until now, the The alignment maneuvers have worked. Golden State sports a 4-1 record through the first five games of the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Given the 82-game regular season, expect more lineup adjustments from the Warriors. Still, Kuminga is an essential part of the team, and Green and the rest of the squad know the impact he has, whether he is in the starting lineup or not.