Jonathan Kuminga has alarming comments after bounce-back performance

Less than 48 hours after receiving a public dressing down from Steve Kerr over his shot selection, Jonathan Kuminga bounced back with a game-high 26 points in the Golden State Warriors' 111-105 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

This was the 16th time (out of 26 games) he had come off the bench this season. The 22-year-old also started 46 of the 74 games he played last season. 

After his 26-point performance on Monday, Kuminga discussed the challenges of being in and out of the Warriors' starting unit and whether this has affected his morale. 

"I'm used to it," Kuminga said of his everchanging role, via ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "From where I come from, you always got to be mentally tough. A lot of people that are playing ... if they were in my shoes, they'll quit basketball. They'll need a therapist. They'll go through a lot of mental situations. But that thing don't affect me. As long as I go out here every day and just play, be with my teammates, [they] keep encouraging me to be who I am every day."

Kuminga's comments, especially the bit about another person in his shoes needing a therapist, are alarming and another sign of his reported strained relationship with Kerr. 

For nearly two years, Kerr has spoken glowingly about Kuminga in news conferences but has hesitated to give him a longer leash to learn from his mistakes. On Monday, he followed a similar trend, praising Kuminga for playing to his strengths — attacking the rim — just 48 hours after blasting him for taking ill-advised perimeter shots.  

"This is the JK we want," Kerr said. "Spent a lot of time in the paint, took care of the ball. Had a couple really nice passes. Found Buddy [Hield] for 3 on a beautiful play and really attacked. So this is a great example of how JK needs to play. I'm really proud of him for coming out, playing that way. ... He's getting better, and it's fun to watch his development."

It shouldn't shock anyone if we go through this entire drill again in a month where Kerr calls out Kuminga, and the latter responds with a big game, leading to the Warriors head coach praising the youngster.