Jonathan Kuminga’s re-signing briefly allayed contract anxieties in Golden State, but the bigger issue—his on-court fit—remains front and center.

The addition of Jimmy Butler last season intensified lineup questions, as Kuminga’s talents overlap with both Butler and Draymond Green. Coach Steve Kerr has publicly voiced concerns about offensive spacing, remarking that the combination of these three on the floor has repeatedly led to rough, congested play and pressure on offensive execution.

Al Horford’s Arrival: Hope for Lineup Balance

One silver lining for the Warriors is the acquisition of veteran big man Al Horford. Kerr expressed optimism that Horford’s presence could help alleviate spacing woes and unlock more cohesive lineup combinations.

The coach highlighted his ambition to test new rotations, placing Horford alongside Kuminga and mixing in Draymond or Butler to create more fluid offensive schemes.

Early preseason performances offered a glimpse of Kuminga’s improved playmaking, and Horford’s endorsement as a “fun to play with” teammate may bode well for chemistry moving forward.

Shooting Still the Key to Trust

Ultimately, Kuminga’s ability to carve out a consistent role hinges on his shooting. Last season, his three-point percentage stood at a modest 30.5%, falling short of what the Warriors require for non-floor-spacing options.

Kerr was forthright: without better perimeter shooting, Kuminga risks becoming a non-factor in pivotal games and crowded rotations. If Horford’s floor-spacing helps mask Kuminga’s deficiencies, or if Kuminga can lift his shooting efficiency, Steve Kerr’s lineup puzzle may finally get solved.

Until then, the big concern lingers for a team hoping to maximize its star talent while balancing the need for modern offensive spacing.