Jonathan Kuminga’s status has become one of the most pressing questions facing the Golden State Warriors heading into their win-or-go-home Game 7 against the Houston Rockets.
After missing the past three games of the first-round series due to illness and migraines, Kuminga has yet to make a meaningful impact in the 2025 playoffs. However, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said on Saturday that a return is not out of the question.
“It’s 100% on the table,” Kerr said. “We feel like we have a great chance to go down there and win Game 7.”
Kuminga, 22, has appeared in just two games during the series, averaging 9.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. His minutes have dwindled partly due to the Warriors’ integration of Jimmy Butler, who has taken on a heavy role since arriving midseason. Kerr acknowledged the challenge of adjusting the rotation with Butler’s presence.
“We’ve been trying to find the right combinations with Jimmy coming in, and that’s been a challenge,” Kerr said. “Jonathan’s been dealing with some illness, migraines, and that’s kept him out of the last few games. But he’s a dynamic player, and we want to get him involved.”
During the regular season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 47 games. But his role has fluctuated, and his reduced playoff usage has sparked speculation about his long-term fit with the franchise. While some analysts, including former players like Kendrick Perkins, have questioned Kerr’s decision to limit Kuminga’s minutes, others note that asking him to produce without consistent floor time is a tall task.
Kerr emphasized that the Warriors are exploring every option for Game 7, particularly on the defensive end, where Kuminga’s athleticism and versatility could offer support against Houston’s dynamic scorers.
“We think he can help us defensively, especially against guys like Jalen Green,” Kerr said. “And we want to see if he can give us some energy and versatility. It’s a big game, and we’re open to all options.”
With Game 7 set to take place in Houston, the Warriors face an uphill battle in a hostile environment. But Kerr indicated that Kuminga remains in the mix as Golden State looks to stabilize its rotation and find answers against a surging Rockets team.
As for Kuminga’s future with the Warriors, Kerr deflected when asked about long-term implications.
“I’m focused on this series right now,” he said. “Jonathan’s a talented young player, and we’re going to do what’s best for the team. The offseason is a different conversation.”
Whether Kuminga sees the floor Sunday or not, his place in the Warriors’ present — and future — remains one of the franchise’s biggest questions as the postseason pressure mounts.
