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Stephen Jackson picks Warriors five he calls NBA’s best, featuring surprise name

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 10:27 AM ET

After a tough stretch in the offseason, the Golden State Warriors look like a more complete team heading into this one.

It was not all that long ago that an injury to Stephen Curry slowed down their momentum.

The lack of depth back then made it difficult for them to stay competitive, especially during crucial stretches when they needed it most, as it happened against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs.

This time around, there is still some uncertainty about how much their bench can contribute over a full season. But there is no doubt about the quality at the top of their line-up, with some arguing that it is the best in the league.

Jonathan Kuminga named among Warriors’ top five by Stephen Jackson

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The main storyline for Golden State over the summer was Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation. The forward eventually agreed to a new deal and returned to the team.

Kuminga started the playoffs on the bench but moved into the line-up after Stephen Curry’s injury, where he played a larger role.

Stephen Jackson has since weighed in, saying that Kuminga should be included in the Warriors’ best five players, leaving Brandin Podziemski out of his preferred starting five.

“I want to go on record saying this to the world, the Warriors can win the championship.

“This line-up I’m about to say is the best line-up in the league this year.

“Steph at the one, Jimmy at the two, Kuminga at three, Draymond at four, Horford at five.

“That’s probably the best five in league coming down playoffs in fourth quarter that I would trust,” he stated on All The Smoke.

Kuminga was not an obvious pick for everyone. When asked about it again, Jackson doubled down and backed him even more strongly.

“Yes. Have you seen him play in preseason? He’s playing well. And you always play better after you get your money. You can just hoop.”

Warriors likely to rotate line-ups heavily this season

Most teams around the league mix up their line-ups over the course of the 82-game season, but Golden State could end up making more changes than usual.

With an older roster, Steve Kerr will need to be careful with his rotations. Al Horford, for example, probably will not be asked to play back-to-back games.

Kerr has also spoken highly of Podziemski and Moses Moody, though Moody will miss the opener due to injury.

The Warriors are tough when everyone is fit, but whether Kuminga becomes a regular starter is still unclear.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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