Warriors move Draymond Green to the Bench amid Slump

The Golden State Warriors made a notable lineup adjustment on Friday night, starting Jonathan Kuminga and bringing Draymond Green off the bench in their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The move, part of head coach Steve Kerr’s efforts to find a spark, resulted in a 107-90 loss at the Chase Center.

Kerr described the change as an experiment, stating he wanted to “give this starting lineup a look.” Despite the outcome, Green expressed support for the decision, emphasizing his willingness to prioritize the team’s success and Kuminga’s development.

Green Supports the Shift

“Of course, I’m OK with it,” Green said postgame. “I’ve been one of JK’s biggest supporters since he arrived. If his opportunity to start goes through me, so be it. He earned it with his performance. You have to support that.”

Green’s remarks reflect his broader view of mentorship and adaptability. “I don’t see this as a demotion,” he added. “I know I’m a starter in this league, but if this helps us win, I’m all in. I hate losing. If JK is our future, we have to see what he can do.”

Kuminga Steps Up

The lineup change comes on the heels of Kuminga’s standout performance against the Houston Rockets, where he scored a career-high 33 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. While the Warriors snapped a five-game losing streak in that game, Friday night was a different story. Kuminga managed 13 points in 29 minutes, but the team struggled offensively, shooting just 39% overall and 28.2% from three-point range.

Kerr explained that starting Kuminga alongside Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney could help balance the rotation. The move is designed to provide Stephen Curry with more offensive support while also preserving Green for key defensive and organizational roles with the second unit.

Injuries and Rotational Adjustments

Friday’s game also saw setbacks, as Wiggins (ankle) and Moses Moody (knee soreness) left with injuries. Their status for Sunday’s rematch against Minnesota remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to Kerr’s rotation experiments.

“The idea is to maximize Jonathan’s ability to get downhill and create opportunities,” Kerr said. “He and Wiggins were excellent against Houston. We’re exploring ways to involve them more without overworking Draymond and Steph.”

A Crucial Moment for Kuminga

Selected seventh overall in the 2021 draft, Kuminga is viewed as a cornerstone for the Warriors’ future. The team resisted offseason trade talks involving him, opting instead to invest in his development. This season marks an important juncture for Kuminga to establish himself in a larger role.

Stephen Curry emphasized the importance of unlocking Kuminga’s potential: “We need him to be the best version of himself. It’s time to lean into that, even if it’s not perfect every night. We’re a different team than we’ve been in recent years, and we have to build around his strengths.”

A Veteran’s Perspective

Green likened the situation to his own journey, recalling how he benefited from veteran David Lee stepping aside during the Warriors’ 2014-15 championship season. “I’m a product of a vet being willing to take a backseat for me,” Green said. “This is about paying it forward.”

As the Warriors navigate this transitional period, the focus remains on finding a balance between unlocking young talent and maintaining competitiveness. With Kuminga in the spotlight, the team hopes this adjustment will pay dividends in the long run.