"Steve Kerr is holding these guys back" - Kendrick Perkins explains who's to blame for Jonathan Kuminga stalling with the Warriors

On a recent Road Trippin' episode, Allie Clifton, Richard Jefferson, and Kendrick Perkins broke down the Golden State Warriors' current situation. It's been a quiet offseason in the Bay, with one storyline taking center stage: the uncertain future of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

While all three offered solid takes, it was Perkins — not uncharacteristic for him — who brought the fire. During the segment, the former player turned analyst launched into a full-blown rant, and his target was clear: Golden State head coach Steve Kerr.

The Warriors' youth dilemma

Few expect Kuminga, still seen as having big upside, to remain on the Warriors, the team he helped win the 2022 NBA Finals. A sign-and-trade involving the Sacramento Kings, recently reported as a possible facilitator, seems increasingly likely.

Since being drafted seventh overall by Golden State in 2021, the 6'8" forward showed promise but never fully broke through, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 24 minutes per contest last season.

It's safe to say that Kuminga's exit would confirm a failed experiment between him and the franchise from California. The question is: who's to blame?

While Perkins acknowledges that everyone in the Warriors organization shares some responsibility, calling the situation a "bad look," he reserved his sharpest criticism for head coach Kerr.

During the podcast, Perkins argued that the 2016 Coach of the Year "has a hard time letting young guys be great."

To illustrate, Perkins highlighted a familiar pattern: Kuminga isn't the only high pick who, despite his potential, failed to become a franchise cornerstone. Former second overall pick James Wiseman, drafted the same year and now with the Indiana Pacers, is another example, he said.

"When it comes down to guys elevating and you see a guy that has the potential to be a franchise guy, Steve Kerr is holding these guys back," remarked the 2008 NBA champion.

Lost opportunity

Perkins was fiery — a rant clearly fueled by his belief that Kuminga has everything it takes to be a difference-maker — if only the Warriors, specifically Kerr, would let him.

He called the former G League Ignite player "one of the most athletic guys in the league" and "an elite talent who's only getting better."

Perk also pointed out that whenever JK got a real chance, he showed flashes. For example, when Warriors superstar Stephen Curry went down during the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the young forward averaged 23 to 24 points on highly efficient shooting.

"How do you not embrace him and wrap your arms around this young man?" Perkins asked, clearly baffled. He later added, "Why the f— have they not passed the keys over there?"

While those are fair questions, a common explanation is that Kuminga's basketball IQ, or rather, the lack of it, is seen as a clear weakness, making him a tough fit on a veteran-heavy Warriors team.

For Perkins, though, that explanation isn't good enough. The 40-year-old analyst believes all young players eventually face challenges when improving their basketball IQ.

Still, it's worth noting that while Jonathan is long away from his prime, he's about to enter his fifth NBA season — a stage where basketball IQ should already be noticeably stronger.

Ultimately, it's unclear if JK will ever fully develop that part of his game. What seems increasingly certain, though, is that he likely won't do so in Golden State.