After experimenting with three different starting lineups in three games, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is expected to seek more consistency in the final preseason matchups. On Friday against the Kings, Kerr used a surprising starting lineup, featuring Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and Kyle Anderson alongside veterans Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Payton and Anderson aren’t likely regular season starters, and Moody is also expected to move back to the bench once Andrew Wiggins returns from illness.
However, Kerr has already announced that Jonathan Kuminga will return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s game against the Pistons. Kuminga was benched Friday despite a strong 16-point performance in Wednesday’s win over the Kings but responded with an impressive 19-point outing in the Warriors’ 109-106 comeback win. His shooting continues to stand out, going 3-of-4 from three, and he’s averaging 14 points while shooting 51.9% from the floor and 53.8% from deep through the preseason. With Wiggins still out, Kuminga will have another chance to solidify his role as a starter.
As Kerr continues to evaluate his options ahead of the regular season opener against the Trail Blazers on October 23, Kuminga is making a strong case for a starting spot, especially with his improved shooting and versatility at small forward.