Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga returned to the rotation Thursday night after a nearly two-week absence, playing 9:31 in a 99-98 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The 23-year-old finished with two points, four rebounds, an assist and a turnover on 1-of-5 shooting in his first appearance since being benched before the Dec. 7 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Kuminga was removed from the starting lineup before a November 12 win over the San Antonio Spurs, after which he missed seven games due to a knee injury. He struggled after returning on November 29 before Steve Kerr pulled him from the rotation completely. Kuminga has been in and out of Kerr’s rotation throughout his NBA career.
“He was good,” Kerr said. “We wanted him to go out there and use his speed and athleticism, setting screens, diving. He handled himself really well this past week, and I wanted to reward that.”
Kuminga expressed his satisfaction at playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green again. He emphasized his familiarity with the veterans after several years together in the Golden State system.
“It felt good,” Kuminga said. “I feel like I fit in perfectly with them. I’ve been playing with them for a few years now. I know how they play and I know where to be when they play when we’re on the ground.”
Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds this season. He has been working to maintain his fitness and rhythm during the extended absence from game action.
“Training every day,” Kuminga said. “Staying sharp, watching film. I see them play every day. Just try to stay in shape and everything will work itself out.”
Kuminga can be traded starting Jan. 15 after signing a two-year deal worth $48.5 million with a team option during training camp. Kuminga’s average annual salary of $23.4 million is comparable to Jabari Smith Jr.’s new extension. with the Houston Rockets and PJ Washington’s with the Dallas Mavericks.
The forward said he is not focused on speculation about his future with the franchise.
“I don’t look at that,” Kuminga said of trade rumors. “I think when the time comes, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I don’t focus on that. Because it takes me out of the present, so I don’t even think about things like that.”
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