Breaking just now:A very sad and disheartening reports hit the Golden Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga stepped into the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors, taking over for Draymond Green who was suspended after an incident where he struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face during a December 13th game.

After facing his second suspension of the season, Green stayed away from the Warriors. He spent his time at home in Los Angeles, participating in counseling sessions and virtual meetings as part of his efforts to meet the conditions for his reinstatement.

Throughout his time away, the 34-year-old Green maintained regular communication with his replacement Kuminga, providing detailed feedback after each game with messages containing notes, video clips, and voice memos regarding the youngster’s performances.

Kuminga shared with ESPN that Green’s time watching games at home involved film study, which in turn helped him gain a better understanding of himself.

During his absence of 16 games, Green also stayed in touch with teammates Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, as well as Warriors coach Steve Kerr. Additionally, Green received daily texts from his former college coach, Tom Izzo of Michigan State.

I wanted to pick up everything he knows,” said Kuminga via ABC7 Bay Area. “With him, he won’t just give [advice] up if you don’t compete big-time

After Green’s initial suspension of five games for a chokehold incident involving Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert during a November 14 defeat, Kuminga stepped up to start in his place for the following game.

Draymond Green’s suspension for striking Nurkic, which occurred just six games after his return from the Gobert incident, marked a pivotal moment for the 6-foot-7 Jonathan Kuminga. During the 16 games without Green, Kuminga showcased his talent by averaging 18.4 points per game, securing his spot in the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors.