Steve Kerr made another change to the Warriors starting lineup after benching Jonathan Kuminga ahead of their game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Kerr started Kuminga for 15 games, benching the struggling Andrew Wiggins. However, amid the team’s turbulent season, Kerr turned to Wiggins again.

Warriors fans mock Steve Kerr’s decision to bench Jonathan Kuminga for Andrew Wiggins

The frontcourt tandem hasn’t yielded the desired results when playing together, so Kerr had to pick one of the two players. Kuminga had seemingly been a better fit and performed better, too. The decision baffled many in the Warriors’ circles, especially fans.

 

Dubnation didn’t take long to mock Kerr for his decision-making, which has frequently infuriated the Warriors fans amid the team’s 17-20 season. As the lineup was announced, Warriors X/Twitter went berserk, as one fan wrote:

“Ayesha curry would be a better coach than Steve Kerr.”

 

More reactions followed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Kuminga trade speculation fuels as Steve Kerr benches forward

Jonathan Kuminga being a potential trade candidate has been a hot topic in NBA circles. His inconsistent role under coach Steve Kerr has fueled speculation about his possible departure. On Jan. 5, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Kuminga had “lost faith” in Kerr after the four-time championship-winning coach benched him in the final 18 minutes of the Warriors’ 130-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Kuminga started that game but played only 19 minutes. He had 16 points, four rebounds and four assists on 5-of-7 shooting. However, Kerr opted to go with Andrew Wiggins in the clutch, who had 11 points in 27 minutes.

The latest benching in favor of Wiggins has fueled trade speculation around Kuminga. The Warriors are reportedly interested in Pascal Siakam, and Kuminga is a piece likely to be involved in the trade if the two teams engage in a deal. Wiggins is also a trade candidate, however, his value has diminished amid his dismal season.

 

Jonathan Kuminga vs. Andrew Wiggins this season

Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are competing for a spot on the starting frontcourt for the Warriors this season. Here’s a look at their stats this season.

Kuminga has played 36 games, starting 16, while Wiggins has appeared in 33 games, starting 22 times. Kuminga is averaging 12.8 points compared to Wiggins’ 11.7 points per game. They average 4.1 rebounds apiece. However, Kuminga has played 22.8 minutes a game compared to Wiggins’ 25.8.

Kuminga has also shot 50.3%, while Wiggins has made 41.8% of his field goal attempts. Both players are shooting under 30.0% from 3 at 27.0 and 29.8%, respectively. Kuminga has been a better defensive presence, too, because of his size.

He’s also more aggressive getting to the rum, giving Golden State a much-needed boost with extra free throws and getting teams in foul trouble. Kuminga is averaging 3.8 free throw attempts to Wiggins’ 2.8.