Steve Kerr benched Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney in the fourth quarter as the Golden State Warriors fell to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Instead, Kerr trusted Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis to help the Warriors try to snatch a win.
When speaking to the media following the contest, Kerr shared his reasons for benching Wiggins, who has been struggling throughout the season’s opening months. Kerr noted how he was sticking with the players who were having an impact as he looked for ways to give his team the edge.
“He just didn’t have it in this game; that’s why I went away from him,” Kerr said. “I just felt like tonight, I had been playing the guys who were playing the best. I’ve been really patient, trying to get everybody organized into groups and give guys freedom and space. But tonight did not feel like a night to have a lot of patience. We needed some urgency, and that’s why I made the moves.”
Wiggins is among a handful of veteran stars who have struggled to make a consistent impact for the Warriors. As such, Kerr is leaning on his younger talent with more frequency than anybody anticipated.
"I had to play the guys who were playing the best."
Kerr breaks down his decision to go away from Wiggins pic.twitter.com/lkP2UfElTp
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 13, 2023
Wiggins needs to step up his production if he wants to avoid being demoted to the Warriors’ second unit. The roster is exceptionally talented. So, if Wiggins’ struggles continue for much longer, it’s likely Kerr will make some tough decisions to try to get the team’s season back on track.
