Jimmy Butler Mentors Jonathan Kuminga Amid Warriors' Challenges

Jimmy Butler has stepped into a mentorship role for Jonathan Kuminga during the Golden State Warriors' challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season. According to ESPN, Butler reached out to Kuminga in mid-September, inviting him to a player-led gathering in San Diego.

Despite Kuminga's contentious restricted free agency negotiations and a shaky relationship with the Warriors, Butler expressed his belief in Kuminga's potential, stating, 'I f---ing love him... he got all the tools to be great.' This mentorship comes at a crucial time as the young player navigates his evolving role within the team.

Initially, Kuminga started the season strong, helping the Warriors to a 4-1 record, prompting head coach Steve Kerr to call him 'ready' due to his rebounding and attacking skills. However, the Warriors faced difficulties, losing five of their next seven games, leading to an increase in Kuminga's turnovers and a dip in performance.

Kerr demoted him back to the bench, reopening old wounds and causing Kuminga to feel like a 'scapegoat' again, according to a team source. Butler, however, remains a significant voice for Kuminga, emphasizing that he understands the struggles the young player faces.

He noted, 'I see a lot of myself in you.' Butler's guidance is seen as vital for Kuminga, who has expressed a desire to be coached harder and acknowledged the challenges of feeling unwanted within the franchise.

Despite these ups and downs, Kuminga averaged impressive stats early in the season, including 17.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Butler has taken Kuminga under his wing, inviting him for dinner and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst adversity.

Butler has shared insights from his own career, helping Kuminga to navigate the pressures of the NBA, especially during a tumultuous period for the Warriors. Butler's perspective stems from his own experiences, as he faced similar feelings of uncertainty during his career.

He urged Kuminga to focus on winning and not let external pressures affect his game. As Kuminga deals with knee soreness that has sidelined him recently, Butler's mentorship continues to play a crucial role in helping him regain confidence and find a way back into the rotation.

The Warriors' internal belief is that for the team to reach its full potential, Kuminga must overcome his frustrations and tap into the talent that Butler, Kerr, and others see in him. Butler's role has shifted from a player to a mentor, with the aim of helping Kuminga not only improve his game but also navigate the complexities of being a young player in a championship-contending team.