"There is now a fourth starter set in stone. Fifth-year wing Jonathan Kuminga has played well enough in his first five starts of the season, Kerr said, to secure a starting spot, assigning him the opponent's best perimeter scorer to open each game. "He'll be our starter going forward," Kerr said ahead of the Warriors' 98-79 win over the Clippers on Tuesday night. "He's been fantastic. Last night we put him on Ja [Morant]. Tonight we'll put him on James Harden. I think he's ready.""
"Kuminga craved and agitated for an increased role and a consistent starting spot for much of the previous two seasons. He spent much of this past summer testing restricted free agency, searching for a path to more guaranteed playing time and opportunity. But the Warriors turned down sign-and-trade overtures from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. They used their leverage to get him back on a two-year, $46.8 million contract, under no promise he would be delivered an extra opportunity under Kerr."
"Circumstances shifted. Kerr decided Al Horford, in his 19th season, should be limited to around 22 minutes per night and said his rotation pattern made more sense as a reserve. Moses Moody, the planned starter in Horford's place, injured his calf in a training camp practice. So Kuminga was delivered an early opportunity, and he's busted through the door. He's made 7 of his 16 3s. He has 37 rebounds, his most ever in a five-game stretch."
Steve Kerr initially fixed three starters — Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green — with the other two spots to rotate. Jonathan Kuminga secured a fourth starting spot after five strong starts and has been assigned the opponent's top perimeter scorer to start games. Kuminga sought greater role in previous seasons and tested restricted free agency this summer, but Golden State re-signed him to a two-year, $46.8 million deal despite declining sign-and-trade offers. Al Horford's minutes were limited and Moses Moody suffered a calf injury, opening an early opportunity. In five starts Kuminga averaged 16.2 points on 53.7% shooting and grabbed 37 rebounds.
Read at ESPN.com
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