Draymond Green took a blank look at Jonathan Cumminga’s bench

Golden State Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green addressed Jonathan CummingaA recent exit from the starting line-up offers a direct view of the situation. As the Warriors (7–6) continue their six-game road trip on Friday nights NBA Cup game against the San Antonio Spurs (8–3) at 9:30 PM ET on Prime Video, Green used his podcast to clear up what he believes has been misunderstood about Cumming’s benching.

Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion said he understands why the decision may seem controversial but he insisted that it should not be overdone.

“I think JK played really well, so to be out of the starting lineup is a bit of a bummer,” Green said. “But I think also people make starting and coming off the bench sometimes more than it really is. When you look at Jay-K, if you’re going to play similar minutes and have an increased role on offense, then you kind of have to decide what puts me in a better position to succeed.”

Green dismissed the notion that Kuminga, 23, has been unfairly blamed for the Warriors’ inconsistent start.

“I know because everybody loves a good drama, everybody’s saying he’s the scapegoat,” Green continued. “There is no scapegoat. We have 13 games.”

He went on to emphasize that championship-level teams don’t operate with scapegoats or panic at the start of the season. “In Game 12, if you know what it takes to win a championship, there’s no scapegoat in Game 12,” Green said. “Also, when you’re not the frontrunners and champions, there’s no scapegoat anyway.”

Draymond Green’s comments come as Jonathan Cummings faces an injury setback against the Spurs

Kuminga has been one of Golden State’s most dynamic young players this season, averaging 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 47.8% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range in 27.7 minutes per game. He started 12 of 13 contests this year, but was limited to just 12 minutes Wednesday’s 125-120 win over San Antoniowent scoreless in a one-shot effort while grabbing four rebounds before exiting with an injury.

The team later announced it Kuminga has been ruled out for Friday’s second leg due to bilateral knee patellar tendonitis. His absence further tests the Warriors’ rotation, which is already adjusting to lineup changes early in the season.

Green, meanwhile, finished Wednesday’s game with six points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal while shooting 1-for-10 from the field and 0-for-7 from three-point range over 27 minutes. In 12 games, the 35-year-old averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 41.6% from the field and 38% from the outside in 28 minutes per contest.

As the Warriors prepare to face the Spurs again, Green’s comments reflect the veteran leadership and championship outlook that have long defined Golden State’s locker room — stressing composure, accountability and the importance of long-term vision over short-term noise.