Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Kendrick Perkins Wants to Hold Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr Accountable for Messing Up Jonathan Kuminga’s Future

Kendrick Perkins called out Steve Kerr's coaching style.

Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Former champion and NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins called out the Golden State Warriors and their head coach, Steve Kerr, for messing up Jonathan Kuminga’s future. Notably, Kuminga is due to receive a contract extension from the Warriors. Even after beginning of the free agency a month ago, no offer has been made yet. The 22-year-old is supposedly a high-valued player of the Dubs squad because of his talent. Not only this, but he is supposed to be a cornerstone for the seven-time champions following the Stephen Curry era.

However, despite his incredible skills, Kuminga’s future has been messed up by Steve Kerr, who is often regarded as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the league. Kerr has, time and again, displayed his unwillingness to utilize young players, including Kuminga. Considering the entire scenario, former NBA champion Perkins spoke his mind on the Warriors.

As he appeared on the ‘Road Tripping’ podcast, the player-turned-analyst said, “At what point are we going to hold the Golden State Warriors accountable? Because if you have a guy like Jonathan Kuminga, one of the most athletic guys in the NBA. I believe he’s an elite talent that’s going to continue to get better. How do you not embrace him and wrap your arms around this young man?”

He added, “This young man has shown signs and flashes every single time he has been given the right opportunity. Steph went out, was injured in the Minnesota series. The f***ing guy was averaging about 23-24 points with a high percentage shooting. He’s gotten better every single season, in my opinion, at different points of his game.”

Kendrick Perkins Goes Berserk on Steve Kerr’s Coaching Style

Kendrick Perkins rips Steve Kerr on the Jonathan Kuminga situation:

"Steve Kerr, in my opinion, has a hard time of letting young guys be great. The only person I've seen him wrap his arms around as a young guy is [Brandin] Podziemski… But when it comes down to guys who have…
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) July 29, 2025

The 40-year-old heavily criticized Kendrick Perkins’ coaching style and said that Kerr finds it difficult to let young lads showcase their talent. He claimed, “Steve Kerr, in my opinion, has a hard time letting young guys be great. Like, the only person that I’ve seen him wrap his arms around as a young guy is Podziemski, right?”

Perkins continued, “And Podziemski is going to have a long career as a role player. But when it comes down to guys elevating, and you see a guy that has the potential to be a franchise guy, Steve Kerr is holding these guys back. Why?”

Considering how the league is constantly moving towards a more youthful direction, with the Oklahoma City Thunder, lifting the championship, it is high time that Kerr and the rest of the judges start focusing on creating a young core. It doesn’t mean that the veterans won’t have a spot on the roster. It would simply allow them to focus on their long-term goals.

Jonathan Kuminga

Kendrick Perkins

Steve Kerr

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.