The Hawks made a low-risk move that could pay dividends for their future

One of many NBA’s worst-kept secrets and techniques during the last 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 could be a part of Golden State’s reset when Stephen Curry retired.

As an alternative, he and head coach Steve Kerr butted heads from the start. Kuminga wished a outstanding on-ball position, however Kerr noticed him as extra of a Shawn Marion or Aaron Gordon. He wished Kuminga to purchase into that position, however that by no means got here to fruition.

The 2 sides lastly reduce 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 workforce, one factor has turn into clear.

The Hawks could possibly be the spot the place Jonathan Kuminga prospers

In two video games along with his new membership, Kuminga has averaged 22 factors per sport, eight rebounds, and 4 assists on 67 % taking pictures and 57 % from three-point vary. Granted, that is solely a two-game pattern dimension and each video games have come in opposition to the lowly Wizards, however this could possibly be an indication of issues to return for the younger ahead.

Kuminga has the on-ball position that he has been wanting for his whole younger profession. The ground is spaced, he is ready to get to the rim, and he seems to be assured in the case of making selections with the ball. 

It stays to be seen how Kuminga matches with All-Star ahead Jalen Johnson, however Atlanta has been in search of shot-creation to pair subsequent to him since they traded away Trae Younger to Washington. 

Kuminga has the scale and flexibility to fill that position subsequent to Johnson and if his taking pictures continues to enhance, then the match turns into even cleaner for the 2 forwards. Their mix of athleticism and slashing may 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 beneficial two-way wing for a profitable workforce. He confirmed flashes of it with the Warriors, however his position 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 transferring him for an getting old, injury-prone middle.