ATLANTA - Jonathan Kuminga Returns to Face the Warriors
In a matchup that’s sure to stir emotions, Jonathan Kuminga is set to take the court against his former team, the Golden State Warriors, as the Atlanta Hawks host them on Saturday night. After sitting out Friday's game against Houston to manage a lingering left knee issue, Kuminga is ready to face his old squad.
This marks the first encounter between the Warriors and the Hawks since Golden State traded Kuminga at last month’s deadline. Warriors coach Steve Kerr was quick to dispel any notions of lingering tension between the two sides.
“I like Jonathan and we always got along well,” Kerr shared before the game. “The challenge was purely basketball-related. We were a championship team, and he needed room to grow and learn, which we couldn’t provide.”
Kuminga’s journey with the Hawks has been a mixed bag, playing in just six of 17 games due to his knee troubles. Despite this, he’s shown glimpses of the scoring prowess that made him the 7th overall pick in the 2021 draft, averaging 14.8 points and making one start for Atlanta.
For Kuminga, this move represents a fresh chapter. After finding himself out of Kerr’s rotation last season, only to reappear following Steph Curry's injury during the playoffs, it seemed inevitable that he’d seek new opportunities. His agent, Aaron Turner, actively sought interest from other teams, but Kuminga eventually re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year, $46.5 million deal.
Initially starting the season strong, Kuminga’s performance and subsequent injuries saw him become a trade asset, eventually leading to his move to Atlanta. The Warriors received Kristaps Porzingis in return, though he’ll miss Saturday’s game due to back tightness and illness.
Kerr expressed genuine fondness for Kuminga, emphasizing the positive personal relationship they shared. “On a personal level, he was great, really good guy… we all root for him and he was well-liked in our locker room,” Kerr added.
As Kuminga steps onto the court against his former team, fans will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds.