Jonathan Kuminga returns to the Warriors lineup tonight against the Pelicans, and the timing couldn’t be more critical. With Stephen Curry sidelined, Golden State needs every available weapon, especially against a New Orleans frontcourt anchored by Zion Williamson.
The Warriors have been navigating treacherous waters without their franchise cornerstone. Curry’s absence strips away the gravitational force that makes everything easier, the spacing that opens driving lanes, the attention that creates opportunities for everyone else. In this vacuum, Kuminga’s athleticism and versatility become exponentially more valuable.
This matchup against Zion presents a fascinating chess match. Williamson is averaging over 21 points per game this season, bulldozing through defenses with a combination of power and finesse that few can contain. The Warriors need bodies, length, and most importantly, someone willing to absorb contact without flinching. Kuminga provides exactly that.
What makes Kuminga’s return particularly intriguing is his dual-threat capability. Offensively, he’s one of the few Warriors who can generate his own shot without relying on Curry’s gravity. He attacks closeouts with explosive first steps, finishes through contact, and has shown flashes of becoming a legitimate scoring threat. Against a Pelicans defense that will load up on Jimmy Butler and dare others to beat them, Kuminga’s aggressive mindset becomes essential.
Defensively, he gives Steve Kerr the flexibility to throw multiple looks at Zion. While no single defender outside of Draymond Green can truly stop Williamson, Kuminga’s combination of strength, lateral quickness, and 7-foot wingspan makes him one of the better options available. His ability to switch across positions also helps the Warriors navigate New Orleans’ pick-and-roll attacks.
The broader question centers on Kuminga’s role in this evolving Warriors identity. Is he a complementary piece who thrives alongside Curry, or can he shoulder increased responsibility when the stars need support? Tonight provides another data point in answering that question.
Golden State’s frontcourt depth has been tested throughout this season. Kuminga’s return adds another dimension to rotations that have felt thin at times. Against a physical Pelicans team that will try to impose their will in the paint, having another athletic, versatile defender could be the difference between maintaining playoff positioning and falling further behind in the Western Conference race.
