Steve Kerr Preferred Franz Wagner Over Kuminga

Merlin sees a quiet draft-day split resurfacing. Reports from The Athletic say head coach Steve Kerr had Franz Wagner "atop his wishlist" in 2021, while team governor Joe Lacob was described as "a driving force" behind picking Jonathan Kuminga. The revelation matters because those early choices shaped the Warriors’ young core and ongoing debates about fit, development, and roster balance. Merlin notes the story is less about blame and more about vision. Wagner is a polished two-way wing and Kuminga a high-upside athlete, so the split reveals contrasting priorities between coaching and ownership. If Kuminga becomes a consistent floor spacer and defender, the decision will look wise. If not, the whisper of what might have been will grow louder and could influence future draft philosophy.