Warriors move Kuminga to bench ahead of Pelicans opener originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The warriors moved striker Jonathan Kuminga to the sideline before Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
ESPN’s Shams Charania and Kendra Andrews first reported the movementciting sources, and the news was confirmed when the Warriors announced their starting lineup.
Coach Steve Kerr will start Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis against New Orleans.
He The Warriors will be without Steph Curry (left peroneal tension), Andrew Wiggins (lower back strain) and De’Anthony Melton (lower back strain).
Curry and Melton have been ruled out for Wednesday’s second straight home game against the Pelicans. Kerr deemed Wiggins questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Kerr was asked before Tuesday’s game about Kuminga, who has struggled in the first three games of the season.
“Three games is nothing,” Kerr told reporters. “I never worry about a small sample size like that. JK had a very good preseason. He’ll bounce back. We’re going to need his strength, his athleticism, and tonight could be a big night for him in that regard, depending on how he develops.” “The game, obviously we’ve played against 12 people every game, which means it’s going to be a little bit harder for the guys to find their rhythm individually because they’re not playing as much. I’m worried about JK. He’ll bounce back.”
Kuminga is averaging 8.0 points on 33.3 percent shooting in 19.7 minutes in three games this season, after averaging 16.1 points on 52.9 percent shooting last year.
Kuminga was eligible to sign a rookie contract extension before Oct. 21, but he and the Warriors did not reach an agreement, meaning he will become a restricted free agent after this season.