In the high-stakes world of the NBA, managing egos is just as important as managing minutes. But this week, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. seemingly decided to throw out the rulebook on player relations, delivering a one-two punch of public disrespect toward young forward Jonathan Kuminga that has left the basketball world stunned.

Fresh off a performance where Kuminga dropped 20 points in just 21 minutes on 7-of-10 shooting—sparking a furious comeback attempt against the Toronto Raptors—fans expected praise. They expected the coaching staff to acknowledge the undeniable spark Kuminga provides to an aging, unathletic roster. Instead, they got a cold splash of reality during Kerr’s appearance on the “Willard and Dibs” podcast.

“He’s Just One of 15”

When asked about the intense media focus on Kuminga’s fluctuating role, Kerr didn’t offer the usual coach-speak about “high ceilings” or “continued development.” Instead, he minimized the 21-year-old’s importance entirely.

“He’s a good young guy, but he’s one of 15 guys on our team,” Kerr said, visibly frustrated by the line of questioning. “I think there’s just been a ton of focus on him… for whatever reason, he’s been the focal point for the media, for the fans.”

To many, this quote felt like a deliberate slap in the face. Kuminga isn’t just “one of 15.” He is a former No. 7 overall pick, arguably the best athlete on the roster, and the only player capable of consistently pressuring the rim in a way that complements Steph Curry’s perimeter gravity. By reducing him to a roster filler—placing him on the same verbal tier as end-of-bench reserves—Kerr wasn’t just managing expectations; he was devaluing his own player.

The GM’s “No Demand” Blunder

If Kerr’s comments were damaging, GM Mike Dunleavy’s recent soundbite was a business disaster. In a separate statement regarding the trade market, Dunleavy bluntly stated, “In terms of demands, when you make a demand, there needs to be demand.”

This public admission that the market for Kuminga is cool is a baffling negotiation tactic. As analysts have pointed out, you don’t sell a luxury car by pointing out its scratches. You don’t trade a young asset by telling the world nobody wants him.

The analogy used by critics is perfect: “If I have a Bugatti and I say everything that’s wrong with the Bugatti, the buyer is not going to give me Bugatti prices.” By publicly suppressing Kuminga’s value, the Warriors are effectively negotiating against themselves. If the plan was to trade Kuminga for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo to maximize Steph Curry’s final years, Dunleavy and Kerr are doing everything in their power to lower the return they would get in that deal.

The Disconnect with Reality

The frustration from the fanbase stems from a clear disconnect between what is happening on the floor and what is being said in the press conference. The Warriors are a team devoid of athleticism. They struggle against long, athletic wings—exactly the profile Kuminga fits.

Against Toronto, Kuminga entered a blowout game and immediately changed the energy, helping cut a 30-point deficit down to 14. He showed flashes of the star potential that made him a lottery pick. Yet, he continues to be the subject of public criticism rather than public support.

Critics argue this is a classic case of “old school” management failing in the modern era. Kerr’s refusal to trust young talent, specifically athletic talent that doesn’t fit his complex, read-and-react system perfectly, has been a recurring theme (see: James Wiseman). But unlike Wiseman, Kuminga is producing. He is contributing. And yet, he is being treated like a problem to be solved rather than a weapon to be unleashed.

The Giannis Factor

The shadow looming over all of this is the future of Steph Curry. The Warriors need a second superstar. The dream scenario has always been making a package centered around Kuminga and picks to land a disgruntled star like Giannis.

But that trade package relies on Kuminga being perceived as a future All-Star. Every time Kerr benches him, and every time Dunleavy says there is “no demand,” that perception takes a hit. Other teams are watching. They see a franchise that doesn’t value its own youth. They see a coach who prefers “high IQ” veterans over high-ceiling athletes, even when the veterans are getting run off the floor.

Conclusion: A Relationship Beyond Repair?

It is becoming increasingly difficult to see a long-term future for Jonathan Kuminga in a Golden State uniform. The trust appears broken. The public comments are getting sharper. The “tough love” approach has morphed into what looks like genuine resentment from the coaching staff regarding the questions surrounding Kuminga.

Steve Kerr wants the media to stop talking about Jonathan Kuminga. But by disrespecting him so openly, he has ensured that the noise will only get louder. The Warriors are at a crossroads, and right now, their leadership seems intent on driving the car off the cliff.