Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins criticized Steve Kerr following the Golden State Warriors' decision to trade Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Road Trippin' Show, Perkins questioned Kerr's confidence in Kuminga's ability after the 23-year-old's strong debut in Atlanta.
"We knew Jonathan Kuminga's ceiling was high. Steph Curry knew it, Draymond Green knew it, Jimmy Butler knew it. The only guy who didn't believe it was Steve Kerr."
The Warriors dealt Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, a move that reshaped Golden State's roster as it attempts to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had shown flashes of his athleticism and scoring ability during his time with Golden State, but often played up-and-down minutes within Kerr's rotation.
Since joining the Hawks, Kuminga has provided immediate production. Through three games – including one start – he is averaging 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per contest. He has shot 67.7% from the field, 55.6% from three-point range and 77.3% from the free-throw line during that period.
Jonathan Kuminga's fast start with Hawks prompts scrutiny of Warriors' decision
Atlanta has won all three games with Kuminga in the lineup, highlighted by a 135-101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Hawks improved to 31–31 on the season and are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Perkins' comments show that several prominent Warriors, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, believed in Kuminga's rise. His comments defined the trade as a missed opportunity for Golden State to further develop the youth within their system.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (31-30) have suffered two consecutive losses, including a 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday after blowing a 17-point lead. Golden State continues to search for stability as it slips in the Western Conference standings.
As Kuminga has had early success in Atlanta, the trade has drawn renewed scrutiny, with Perkins openly questioning whether Kerr had maximized the forward's role before the organization moved on.
