Jonathan Kuminga Sizzles as Warriors' Starter

Jonathan Kuminga has turned a rocky offseason into a fast start: after contract brinkmanship he signed a two‑year, $48.5M deal and is starting for Golden State, averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists through the first five games while hitting 43.8% from three. He was an afterthought last year but Steve Kerr said, "He'll be our starter going forward," underscoring how Kuminga’s improved shooting, decision‑making and defense matter for a Warriors roster crowded around Curry, Butler and Draymond. Merlin sees a young talent sharpening his tools. The pairing issues that once plagued the Jimmy–Draymond–JK trio are easing as Kuminga accepts playmaking and rim pressure instead of hero shots; the fit is promising but still a small sample. Expect opponents to test his consistency — and watch whether that 3‑point touch holds.