Steve Kerr admits he is in “difficult form” after Jonathan Cumminga trade

The The Golden State Warriors traded Jonathan Cummingsalong with Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. After years of speculation that head coach Steve Kerr struggled to fit Cumminga into the lineup, he seems to finally admit that was the case.

Kerr, who is 60, said it was difficult for the Warriors to develop Cummings at the same time trying to compete for the championshipaccording to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Basically, Kerr believes that Jonathan Cumminga simply didn’t have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn when Golden State needed to be good right away.

“I think it was a tough situation for everybody, considering how raw (Kumminga) was when he got here and considering we were still playing for the championship,” Steve Kerr said. “He needed a runway to make more mistakes. He needed NBA experience and an understanding of what it’s all about.”

“It was very difficult for him not to let himself make those mistakes,” Kerr continued. “For us as a staff, it’s been tough trying to develop him while trying to win. I think it’s as simple as that. Everybody liked him. I liked him. He’s a really good guy. Very kind. Good in the locker room. Just a tough combination.”

Kuminga will have another chance to shine in Atlanta. The Hawks essentially overhauled their roster for the future, focusing on building around Jalen Johnson, Zachary Rizacher and Onyeka Okongwu. The 23-year-old forward should have all the opportunities he needs to further develop his game with his new team.

Jonathan Kuminga is ending his five-year term in Golden State, he averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 50.3% from the floor and 33.1% from the three-point line through 278 career games played. He is currently dealing with a bone bruise and is being treated as day-to-day.

As for the Warriors, the club is getting Porzingis, who will likely start at center once he recovers from his Achilles injury. That gives Golden State a stretch center who can consistently shoot threes and provide a strong interior defensive presence when healthy. He is averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game this season while shooting 45.7% from the field and 36.0% from three.