The Warriors have been on a hot streak ever since the Jimmy Butler trade. They continued their dominant run last night by blowing out the Hornets and winning six of their last seven games. But one major piece of the puzzle is still missing from the picture—Jonathan Kuminga. The young forward hasn’t played since spraining his right ankle on January 4 during the Grizzlies clash, and while Butler has settled in seamlessly, one big question remains—how will Kuminga fit into this new-look Warriors squad?
Butler, for one, has no doubt.
“I think it’s going to be easy,” Butler said, addressing Kuminga’s reintegration and what he brings to the table. “Hella athletic. Can shoot it. Can score in a multitude of ways. Can definitely guard. I think he’s going to come back and do what he’s been doing. My job is to make it even easier on him.”
It’s easy to see why ‘Jimmy Buckets’ is excited. Before his injury, Kuminga was having an incredible season before he got injured, averaging 16.8 points and five rebounds, showing real growth as a two-way threat. And his absence was a major reason the Warriors fell off in the standings.
Jimmy Butler on reintegrating Jonathan Kuminga: “I think it’s going to be easy. Hella athletic. Can shoot it. Can score in a multitude of ways. Can definitely guard. I think he’s going to come back and do what he’s been doing. My job is to make it even easier on him.”
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) February 26, 2025
But the forward might finally be nearing his return. As per the latest update by Steve Kerr, JK has begun participating in five-on-five scrimmages and had a great session a couple of days ago. “He had a good scrimmage yesterday with some of our younger guys and coaches. It’s progressing each day… It’s a huge step,” Kerr remarked this weekend.
Now, with Golden State gaining momentum, Kuminga’s return could make them that much more dangerous! That said, as much as Butler believes the fit will be smooth, Steve Kerr is making sure JK’s transition back into the lineup is as smooth as possible.
Steve Kerr prepares for the Jimmy Butler-Jonathan Kuminga pairing as doubts about the pair’s co-existence arise
The Warriors coach has already started laying the groundwork, sitting down with Kuminga for a film session to study not just his own play, but Butler’s as well. “[We watched] his film, but also showing some of Jimmy’s stuff, what Jimmy’s doing right now because I think he’s the perfect guy for JK to emulate,” Kerr said.
That’s a huge endorsement—and a challenge. Butler thrives on discipline, decision-making, and defensive intensity. Kuminga, while athletically gifted, is still refining those aspects of his game. Kerr wants him to take notes from Butler’s ability to impact the game without forcing plays.
“What makes Jimmy special is that he doesn’t try to be special,” Steve explained. “He just plays fundamental basketball… I mean, he never turns it over, he just makes a simple play over and over again. And I want JK to learn some of that.”
Steve Kerr said he watched film with Jonathan Kuminga. They watched tape on Kuminga and some film of Jimmy Butler to help Kuminga when he returns. Kerr said Kuminga scrimmaged again a few days ago and feels good. Kerr doesn’t know when Kuminga will be cleared to play.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 26, 2025
While the Dubs will welcome Kuminga’s scoring and defensive versatility, the real test, obviously, will be how he adapts to playing alongside the ex-Heat veteran. Both are high-energy, slashing forwards who thrive in the paint and at the free-throw line. The key will be finding a balance where they complement rather than overlap each other.
Butler is already embracing the challenge, not just in terms of offense, but on the other end of the floor as well. “He’s another individual they’re going to have to guard, they’re going to have to pay attention to. Then on defense, you got another quote, unquote ‘MFer’ that can switch, that can challenge shots, that can get out into the open floor,” Jimmy had said in early Feb via Anthony Slater.
If Kuminga can adopt Butler’s poise and decision-making while maintaining his aggressive style, the Warriors could have one of the most dynamic wing duos in the league. If not, it could take some time before Kerr figures out the right mix.
Either way, Jonathan Kuminga’s return isn’t just about getting healthy—it’s about taking the next step.
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