Ex-Warriors Teammate Claims Kuminga Sees Himself as 'Superstar'

Juan Toscano-Anderson says Kuminga has lofty NBA ambitions that didn't align with Steph Curry's role on the team.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to former Golden State Warriors player Juan Toscano-Anderson, Jonathan Kuminga sees himself as a "superstar" who wants to be a max contract player and a number one or two option on an NBA team. Toscano-Anderson says Kuminga's mindset didn't pair well with playing alongside Stephen Curry, as Curry requires the ball to make multiple shots in a row. Kuminga became frustrated with his lack of playing time under coach Steve Kerr and was recently traded from the Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks.

Why it matters

Kuminga's high self-confidence and desire to be a top option on an NBA team clashed with the Warriors' established star system centered around Curry. This led to tension and Kuminga's eventual trade, highlighting the challenges of integrating young, ambitious players into a championship-caliber roster.

The details

According to Toscano-Anderson, Kuminga believes he is a "superstar" who wants to be a max contract player and a number one or two option on an NBA team. However, Toscano-Anderson says this mindset "doesn't really pair well" with playing alongside Curry, who requires the ball to make multiple shots in a row. Kuminga reportedly became frustrated with his lack of playing time under coach Steve Kerr and sought a new beginning, leading to his trade from the Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks.

  • Kuminga was drafted by the Warriors in 2021 as the 7th overall pick.
  • Kuminga played one season with Toscano-Anderson on the Warriors in the 2021-22 season.
  • Kuminga was traded from the Warriors to the Hawks at the 2023 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Jonathan Kuminga

A young forward drafted 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2021 who has high ambitions to be a superstar player in the NBA.

Juan Toscano-Anderson

A veteran player who spent one season as Kuminga's teammate on the Golden State Warriors.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors who reportedly limited Kuminga's playing time, leading to Kuminga's frustration.

Kristaps Porzingis

A player the Warriors acquired in a trade, which further limited Kuminga's role on the team.

Buddy Hield

A player who was traded to the Hawks along with Kuminga in the deal that sent Kuminga away from the Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“What I do love and respect about Jonathan is that he's a superstar in his own right. In his mind, he's a superstar. That's what he wants. He wants to be a max contract player. He wants to be a number one or a number two option.”

— Juan Toscano-Anderson, Former Warriors Player (Basketball Network Podcast)

“You cannot be a superstar if you don't have that mindset. If you miss five shots, you have to have the courage and the confidence to take shot number six. That is what a superstar is. And that's what Jonathan Kuminga is.”

— Juan Toscano-Anderson, Former Warriors Player (Basketball Network Podcast)

What’s next

The Hawks will look to integrate Kuminga into their roster and provide him with more opportunities to develop as a player, potentially fulfilling his superstar ambitions.

The takeaway

Kuminga's high self-confidence and desire to be a top option clashed with the Warriors' established star system centered around Curry, leading to tension and Kuminga's eventual trade. This highlights the challenges of integrating young, ambitious players into championship-caliber rosters and the importance of finding the right fit and role for each player.