The underachieving Golden State Warriors might have a big locker room situation brewing, with a number of gamers rumored to be sad with their taking part in time. Forward of the group’s dwelling tilt with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, head coach Steve Kerr’s response was to the purpose, if not a little bit tone-deaf.
“I performed for 15 years, and all 15, I used to be pissed off with my taking part in time,” Kerr mentioned through NBC Sports Bay Area. “So, that is the way it works. That is probably the most aggressive, profitable league on the earth. Each group has 15 to 17 guys who’re all dying to play. Everybody’s pissed off.”
After all, most gamers within the NBA need to see the hardwood extra typically. Not all gamers are created equal, although. That is the place Kerr’s remarks fall off the rails a bit.
The taking part in time controversy traces again to ahead Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 7 total choice within the 2021 NBA Draft. Kerr definitely had his moments as a professional however was primarily relegated to a supporting position coming off the bench. So, evaluating his frustrations to that of a lottery choose is apples to oranges.
In line with Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Kuminga has misplaced hope of reaching his full potential taking part in below Kerr. Issues additional erupted on Thursday when Kuminga did not see the ground for the whole fourth quarter in a 130-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The newest perceived slight was allegedly “the final straw” for the 21-year-old.
Kerr responded to the report, revealing that he had spoken to Kuminga with out increasing on what they mentioned.
“JK is a younger participant who’s rising; he is getting higher. It is why he is been within the beginning lineup,” Kerr mentioned through Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle. “He’ll proceed to develop and that is all part of his development.”
The Warriors’ head coach mentioned he encourages gamers to return to him with their points, preferring to take care of them in-house earlier than the narrative runs wild by the media. In Kuminga’s case, it is already too late and Kerr’s feedback concerning the state of affairs did not do a lot to rectify it.
