The Milwaukee Bucks found themselves surprisingly quiet at the trade deadline, and that silence might echo loudly if Jonathan Kuminga continues his rise. Kuminga, once locked in a standoff with the Golden State Warriors, has now joined the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis, whose injury history raises eyebrows. The Bucks had a chance to snag Kuminga, and missing out could be a costly oversight.
Kuminga wasted no time showcasing his talents in his Hawks debut, dropping an efficient 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also filled the stat sheet with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. This kind of performance highlights what Milwaukee might have gained-a player capable of elevating their game both this season and next.
The Bucks' focus seemed consumed by the ongoing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, potentially overshadowing other opportunities for improvement. Bobby Portis, a solid contributor, especially from deep, was floated in trade talks, possibly involving Kuminga-a player the Bucks reportedly had their eyes on.
Portis has been a steady presence, but his ceiling is well-defined. Kuminga, however, is brimming with untapped potential, just waiting for the right environment to flourish. His clashes with Warriors' management are now behind him, and he's already thriving in Atlanta.
Kuminga's ability to slash through defenses and finish at the rim could have been a game-changer for the Bucks, particularly with Giannis sidelined. Milwaukee's current lineup lacks consistent rim pressure, a gap Kuminga could have filled seamlessly.
Defensively, Kuminga remains a bit of a wildcard. While he possesses the athleticism to excel, his effort has been inconsistent. Yet, a fresh start and new coaching might be just what he needs to harness his defensive prowess.
As the playoffs loom, the Bucks are in a race to secure their spot and enhance their postseason threat. Acquiring Kuminga could have been a decisive move towards both objectives.
Now, Milwaukee must watch as Kuminga potentially elevates a Hawks team that’s vying for the same Play-In Tournament. Even if Atlanta isn't the perfect fit, Kuminga is already proving his worth and aiming to show the Warriors what they’re missing. If his current trajectory continues, the Bucks might find themselves alongside Golden State, regretting the chance they let slip away.