"Trade JK Podz and buddy": Warriors Fans Explode as Steve Kerr Benches Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski in Major Lineup Shake-Up

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr made a major starting lineup announcement on Thursday. Kerr confirmed that Moses Moody and Will Richard will start alongside Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. The Warriors coach's announcement signalled a major shift, leaving Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podzeimski on the bench for the foreseeable future.

Speaking on the "Willard & Dibs" podcast, Kerr praised rookie Richard for his exceptional playmaking, his instinctive cutting and the way he creates space for Curry. He also lauded Moody’s defensive growth and his significantly improved 3-point shooting, two developments that have been hugely valuable for the Warriors this season.

Social media was abuzz soon after Kerr announced his decision to stick with the same starting lineup that featured in the team's 125-120 win against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Warriors fans didn’t hold back, offering candid reactions to the latest shake-up and expressing exactly how they felt about Kuminga and Podziemski being removed from the starting lineup.

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"trade JK Podz and buddy for Bam adebayo. We good," a fan commented.

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Steve Kerr benched Jonathan Kuminga against Spurs

Jonathan Kuminga started in the Golden State Warriors' first 12 games before Steve Kerr demoted him to the bench on Wednesday. The decision came during the Warriors’ steep decline, driven largely by their woeful road record. Kerr's decision paid instant dividends as Golden State snapped out of its six-game road losing streak with an emphatic victory.

Brandin Podziemski was in and out of the starting lineup since the season tipped off. The young guard started seven of the team’s 13 games, but his inconsistency ultimately cost him his spot in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Will Richard cashed in on the opportunities and made a strong impression through his all-round display on the court. The rookie guard is averaging 9.4 points on 58.3% shooting, including 44.1% from deep, alongside 2.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals.

Moses Moody has been spectacular, particularly with his 3-point shooting and defensive hustle. He is averaging 12.3 points and shooting a superb 44.3% from beyond the arc on 6.4 attempts per game.

Edited by Atishay Jain