One of many NBA’s worst-kept secrets and techniques over the past couple seasons has been that Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have been headed for a divorce. Kuminga was drafted in 2021 with the expectation that he can be a part of Golden State’s reset when Stephen Curry retired.
As a substitute, he and head coach Steve Kerr butted heads from the start. Kuminga wished a distinguished on-ball function, however Kerr noticed him as extra of a Shawn Marion or Aaron Gordon. He wished Kuminga to purchase into that function, however that by no means got here to fruition.
The 2 sides lastly lower ties on the commerce deadline, the place the Warriors despatched Kuminga to the Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis. Though Kuminga hasn’t performed a lot for his new group, one factor has turn into clear.
The Hawks could possibly be the spot the place Jonathan Kuminga prospers
In two video games together with his new membership, Kuminga has averaged 22 factors per recreation, eight rebounds, and 4 assists on 67 p.c capturing and 57 p.c from three-point vary. Granted, that is solely a two-game pattern dimension and each video games have come towards the lowly Wizards, however this could possibly be an indication of issues to come back for the younger ahead.
Kuminga has the on-ball function that he has been wanting for his whole younger profession. The ground is spaced, he is ready to get to the rim, and he appears assured with regards to making selections with the ball.
It stays to be seen how Kuminga matches with All-Star ahead Jalen Johnson, however Atlanta has been on the lookout for shot-creation to pair subsequent to him since they traded away Trae Younger to Washington.
Kuminga has the dimensions and flexibility to fill that function subsequent to Johnson and if his capturing continues to enhance, then the match turns into even cleaner for the 2 forwards. Their mix of athleticism and slashing might trigger issues for defenses.
When he got here into the league, Kuminga was anticipated to be a star. He has the athletic profile and dimension to turn into a worthwhile two-way wing for a profitable group. He confirmed flashes of it with the Warriors, however his function was too inconsistent for him to place all of it collectively.
He received’t have that with the Hawks, because the competitors for touches isn’t as stiff. A contemporary begin for the ahead could possibly be precisely what he wants to appreciate his potential and will make Golden State remorse shifting him for an growing old, injury-prone middle.
