Ex-Champion Goes Off on Warriors Playing ‘Lacrosse Player’ Over Jonathan Kuminga

Former NBA player Jeff Teague believes that the Golden State Warriors have disrespected Jonathan Kuminga.

Ex-Champion Goes Off on Warriors Playing ‘Lacrosse Player’ Over Jonathan Kuminga

Jeff Teague on Jonathan Kuminga (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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Things have gone from bad to worse for Jonathan Kuminga this season. It appears that the player’s relationship with the Golden State Warriors has finally run its course. Last night, NBA reporter Shams Charania reported that Kuminga has demanded a trade away from the Warriors as he is eligible to be moved from Thursday.

Jonathan Kuminga was drafted by the Warriors as the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA draft. He won the NBA Championship in his debut season but did not play any significant role in their title run. Known for his explosiveness and athleticism, many believed that Kuminga would bring in a different dimension to the way the Warriors play. Therefore, it was expected that the young star would carry the torch in the post-Stephen Curry era. But unfortunately, things have not gone according to plan.

There was a lot of drama surrounding Kuminga’s future in the offseason, and clubs were interested in his services. Sacramento Kings are one of the clubs who are still interested in him. However, the 23-year-old signed a two-year, $48.5 million extension with the team. The forward was a regular starter for the first 13 games of the season, it looked like he had found his place in the lineup and won the trust of head coach, Steve Kerr.

An ankle injury ruled him out for a few weeks, and he was restricted to a bench role on his return. After the closely fought loss to the Phoenix Suns on December 18, Kuminga has not made a single appearance in the last 14 games for the club. There have also been reports that his relationship with Kerr is now irreparable.

Former NBA Champion Jeff Teague is known for making headlines with his statements. After the news of Kuminga’s trade request was out, Teague highlighted how the Warriors have been disrespectful towards the Congolese star on his Club 520 podcast.

It’s been time for him to get traded. It was time in the summer. He doesn’t play at all. Y’all got a lacrosse player (Pat Spencer) playing over me.

It is unfortunate that Dubs Nation could not see the best of Kuminga and his potential, but this is the right move for his NBA career. He will find playing time elsewhere and will be able to showcase his talent as he enters the prime of his career.

Draymond Green applauds Jonathan Kuminga’s character

Draymond Green has always been supportive of Kuminga, taking the young star under his wing. Considering the situation surrounding Kuminga for a while now, there were doubts about whether the drama was affecting the locker room as well.

Former Defensive Player of the Year Green was asked about Kuminga and praised his character during his post-match interview.

Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green
Jonathan Kuminga (Left) and Draymond Green (Right) (Image credits – ESPN)

How he handles it is everything. You know, handled it a certain way, it becomes a distraction. But it doesn’t have to be. And the way he’s handled himself, the way he’s dealt with things not going his way, says a lot about his character. So, everyone around here can confidently say it won’t be a distraction because he’s not a distraction.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Kuminga. While the whole situation with the Warriors did turn messy in the end, a change in scenery will do the young forward wonders.

Golden State Warriors are showing signs of improvement

Amid all the Kuminga drama, the Warriors beat the New York Knicks 126-113 on Thursday night and improved their record to 23-19. The club is currently placed eighth in the Western Conference standings, two games behind the sixth seeds, the Houston Rockets. Jimmy Butler and Curry led the scorers with 32 and 27 points, respectively.

In the post-match press conference, Curry spoke about the team’s form and has been happy with their performances lately.

We’re doing well. We are doing what we are supposed to do, developing identity and trying to create a little bit of a run especially in this home stand. I like where we are at. I like the vibes. I like how we are playing. Try to get to the All-Star break with more of the same, we should be in good shape.

The Warriors are beginning to find some rhythm. They are in the midst of an eight-game home stretch and have won four of their last five games. Next up are the Charlotte Hornets on January 17.

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