Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga is sidelined for Friday’s clash against Houston due to a left knee issue. However, fans can expect him back on the court Saturday for his first face-off with his former team, the Warriors.
Despite a rocky end to his time in Golden State, head coach Steve Kerr emphasizes that there’s no bad blood. The Warriors are rooting for Kuminga to thrive in Atlanta.
Kerr shared, “Honestly, I haven’t thought much about the first matchup against JK because our focus is on winning. But everyone here likes him and wishes him the best.”
Kuminga’s trade made sense as the fit just wasn’t right for him in Golden State. The Warriors are now excited about integrating Kristaps Porzingis alongside Steph Curry, hoping the trade benefits both teams.
During his Warriors tenure, Kuminga built strong connections, including with current Hawks GM Onsi Saleh. Saleh, previously with Golden State, might be looking to negotiate a new contract with Kuminga this summer. There’s talk of mutual interest in declining Kuminga’s $24.3 million option for the 2026/27 season to explore a new multiyear deal.
Switching gears to Miami, All-Star guard Norman Powell is adapting to a bench role after a groin injury. Despite starting from the bench, Powell logs significant minutes and embraces his evolving role.
“I feel like I’m a starter,” Powell says. “But if coming off the bench helps us win, I’m all in.”
In Charlotte, Coby White is finding his groove as a sixth man. His recent performances showcase impressive scoring efficiency, with coach Charles Lee praising his adaptability and offensive spark.
“Coby’s growth has been tremendous. He’s fitting in well and making a real impact,” Lee notes.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are focused on building chemistry between Trae Young and rookie Tre Johnson as they wrap up the regular season, aiming to maximize their on-court synergy.