JUST IN: Forward Jonathan Kuminga to Miss Rest of 2025 Season Following Ankle Surgery, Coach Steve Kerr Reveals Heartbreaking News
In a devastating turn of events for the Golden State Warriors, Head Coach Steve Kerr confirmed today that forward Jonathan Kuminga will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season following ankle surgery. The news comes as a severe blow to both the team and its fanbase, as Kuminga had been a key contributor in the Warriors’ push for playoff contention.
Kerr, speaking to the media this afternoon, described the injury as “heartbreaking” for the 21-year-old player, who had shown considerable growth this season after entering the NBA as a highly touted prospect in 2021. The Warriors coach, visibly disappointed, explained that Kuminga’s ankle injury, initially thought to be minor, had worsened over recent weeks.
“We were all hoping that Jonathan’s injury would be something he could recover from with a little rest and rehab,” Kerr said, his voice tinged with frustration. “But unfortunately, after further evaluation, it was clear that surgery was the only option. It’s a tough break for Jonathan, who has worked so hard to get to this level.”
Kuminga had sustained the injury during a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, a contest where he played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ comeback attempt in the second half. After feeling discomfort in his ankle during the game, Kuminga attempted to play through the pain but was eventually forced to exit early. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed that the injury was more severe than initially anticipated, leading to the decision for surgery.
The surgery, which was performed by a renowned orthopedic surgeon in the Bay Area, was described as a routine procedure, but it will require Kuminga to undergo an extensive rehabilitation process. Doctors expect the 6-foot-8 forward to make a full recovery, but the timeline means he will not be able to contribute to the Warriors’ campaign for the rest of the season.
Kerr was quick to praise Kuminga for his resilience and work ethic, noting that the young player had quickly become an integral part of the team’s plans, both offensively and defensively. “Jonathan’s been such a huge part of what we’ve been trying to do this season,” Kerr said. “His athleticism, versatility, and defensive presence have given us so many options on both ends of the floor. He’s a special player, and we’ll certainly miss his contributions.”
Kuminga’s absence leaves a sizable hole in the Warriors’ roster, particularly in the forward position, where the team had relied on his ability to guard multiple positions and provide scoring off the bench. While the Warriors are no strangers to overcoming injuries—having dealt with the absences of several key players in recent years—they will have to adjust their rotation without Kuminga’s high-level contributions.
In terms of how the Warriors plan to fill the gap left by Kuminga, Kerr mentioned that the team would likely rely more heavily on veteran forwards such as Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, along with promising young players like Moses Moody. Kerr also expressed confidence in the collective depth of the team, highlighting the importance of other players stepping up during this difficult stretch.
“While Jonathan’s absence is a tough loss, we have guys who are more than capable of stepping in and continuing to push forward,” Kerr said. “We’ve been through a lot as a team, and this is just another challenge for us to overcome.”
For Kuminga, the road to recovery will be both physically and mentally challenging. However, the young forward’s determination and commitment to his craft have earned him praise from teammates and coaches alike. Warriors star Stephen Curry, who has been a mentor to Kuminga, offered words of encouragement for the rising star.
“Jonathan’s an incredible talent, and while this setback is unfortunate, I know he’ll come back even stronger,” Curry said. “We’re all behind him, and we’re excited to see him continue to grow as a player and a person.”
As the Warriors brace for the remainder of the 2025 season without one of their most promising young talents, all eyes will now turn to the team’s ability to stay competitive in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. Despite the setback, Kerr remains optimistic about his team’s chances, stressing that the Warriors have weathered tough times before.
“We’ve been through adversity in the past, and we’ll get through this together,” Kerr concluded. “It’s never easy, but we’ll rally around Jonathan and continue to fight for our goals.”
With Kuminga on the sidelines, the Warriors face an uphill battle, but they’ll undoubtedly be motivated to make the most of their remaining games, with the hope that Kuminga’s return in the 2026 season will mark the beginning of a new chapter in his promising career.
