According to a Chicago Bulls legend, Steve Kerr has already identified the next great Golden State Warriors star.

Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, has always been regarded as one of the best minds in basketball, not only for his leadership but also for his ability to develop talent. Known for his sharp basketball IQ, adaptability, and championship experience both as a player and a coach, Kerr has played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ incredible success over the last decade. Under his stewardship, the Warriors have become one of the most dominant teams in NBA history, winning four championships since 2015 and revolutionizing the game with their emphasis on three-point shooting and pace.

While the core of the Warriors, featuring stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, has been the backbone of their success, Kerr has always kept an eye on the future. With Curry, Thompson, and Green aging and the Warriors transitioning into a new era, the question on the minds of many fans and analysts alike is: who will be the next great star for the Golden State Warriors? According to a Chicago Bulls legend, Kerr has already identified that next player.

The Chicago Bulls Legend: Scottie Pippen’s Insight

Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion and one of the best all-around players in the history of the league, has established himself as a basketball icon. Known for his unselfish play, defensive prowess, and ability to impact games in ways that went beyond scoring, Pippen’s insight into the game is deeply respected. He played alongside Michael Jordan in one of the most dominant dynasties the NBA has ever seen, but Pippen’s experience also gives him a unique perspective on how winning teams operate and how young players develop into superstars.

In recent years, Pippen has been a vocal analyst on various basketball platforms, offering his views on the current state of the NBA. Pippen has been particularly insightful about the Golden State Warriors and their future, especially when it comes to their next potential superstar. During an appearance on a national sports network, Pippen made waves when he revealed that, according to Steve Kerr, the Warriors have already identified the player who could be the next great star to carry the torch after the current core eventually steps away.

The Next Great Golden State Warriors Star: Jonathan Kuminga

According to Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr has pinpointed Jonathan Kuminga as the player who will lead the Warriors into the next era. Kuminga, a 6-foot-7 forward from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was drafted by the Warriors with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. His selection was part of Golden State’s strategy to mix veteran championship experience with promising young talent. While Kuminga was initially seen as a raw talent with immense potential, Kerr and the Warriors coaching staff have worked diligently to develop his skills, and Pippen believes that this work is about to pay off in a big way.

Kuminga’s Unique Skill Set

Jonathan Kuminga’s combination of size, athleticism, and raw talent has made him one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, he has the physical tools to excel both offensively and defensively. His ability to guard multiple positions, from point guard to power forward, makes him an invaluable asset for a team like the Warriors, who value versatility on both ends of the court.

One of Kuminga’s most promising attributes is his athleticism. He is an explosive leaper with the ability to finish plays above the rim and a quick first step that allows him to blow by defenders. His raw scoring ability is evident, particularly in transition, where his speed and agility make him a nightmare for defenders. Additionally, Kuminga has the potential to develop a more refined offensive game, including improving his outside shooting and creating plays off the dribble.

While Kuminga’s offensive game is still a work in progress, his defensive capabilities are what make him stand out. His physical tools allow him to guard multiple positions, and he has shown flashes of being a disruptive force on that end of the floor. The Warriors, under Kerr, have always valued strong defense and a commitment to team play, and Kuminga has the potential to become a cornerstone of their defensive identity.

Steve Kerr’s Role in Kuminga’s Development

As much as Kuminga’s talent has been recognized since his high school days and throughout his time in the G League, it is Kerr’s coaching that has been pivotal in shaping Kuminga’s development. Known for his emphasis on team play, ball movement, and defensive discipline, Kerr has worked to integrate Kuminga into the Warriors’ system while allowing him to develop at his own pace.

Kerr has always been a patient coach, understanding that for a young player like Kuminga, it’s not about forcing immediate success but gradually refining skills and building confidence. Kerr’s coaching philosophy revolves around empowering players to make decisions on the floor and trusting in the team’s system, and this approach has been beneficial to Kuminga’s growth.

Throughout Kuminga’s early years with the Warriors, Kerr has made it a point to put him in situations where he can succeed. Whether it’s using him as a slashing wing in transition, a cutter off the ball, or a primary defender against the opponent’s best players, Kerr has put Kuminga in a variety of roles to develop his versatility. This holistic approach to Kuminga’s development, focusing on both offense and defense, is what will help unlock his potential as a future star.

Pippen’s Confidence in Kuminga

Scottie Pippen’s endorsement of Kuminga as the next great Warriors star speaks volumes. Pippen, who was known for his leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to seamlessly fit into a team-oriented system, sees many of these same qualities in Kuminga. In Pippen’s view, Kuminga has the tools to be a dynamic, all-around player who can contribute in every aspect of the game, just as he did in his prime with the Chicago Bulls.

Pippen sees Kuminga as a player who could step into the spotlight as the Warriors transition away from their current core of Curry, Thompson, and Green. The forward’s defensive ability, combined with his potential as an offensive weapon, makes him an ideal fit for the Warriors’ future. In Kerr’s system, where ball movement, spacing, and positionless basketball are critical, Kuminga’s versatility will be a major asset.

Moreover, Pippen believes that Kuminga’s mental toughness and his willingness to learn under a championship coach like Kerr will allow him to thrive in big moments. This kind of selflessness and eagerness to grow is key to Kuminga’s future as a leader for the Warriors.

The Warriors’ Future with Kuminga at the Helm

As the Golden State Warriors continue to manage the careers of their aging stars, the need for a young player to emerge as the next face of the franchise becomes more urgent. While Curry, Thompson, and Green will likely remain key figures for the next few seasons, the Warriors are looking ahead to a future where Kuminga can step into a leadership role. Kerr’s confidence in Kuminga’s ability to make that leap is a clear signal that the team is building around him as a foundational piece.

If Kuminga can continue to develop under Kerr’s tutelage, the Warriors will have a player who can eventually take over as the focal point of the offense. Kuminga’s ability to drive to the basket, defend at a high level, and play within the team structure will be vital as the Warriors transition to a new era. Furthermore, with the Warriors’ track record of developing young players and surrounding them with the right talent, Kuminga’s growth could be expedited, allowing him to reach his full potential sooner rather than later.

The Path Forward: A New Era for Golden State

Looking ahead to the 2026 season and beyond, the Golden State Warriors are poised to enter a new chapter. While the team’s championship window with Curry, Thompson, and Green remains open for now, the next few years will be crucial in determining how the Warriors build for the future. Jonathan Kuminga has all the makings of a future superstar, and Steve Kerr is making it clear that he will be at the center of Golden State’s plans for years to come.

As Pippen and Kerr have both recognized, Kuminga has the talent, work ethic, and potential to be the next great player for the Warriors. If he continues to develop and embrace the Warriors’ team-first philosophy, Kuminga could lead the franchise into a new era of success and continue the team’s legacy as one of the most dominant in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors’ next great star is already on the roster, and his name is Jonathan Kuminga.