Jalen Johnson raves about Jonathan Kuminga's impact, predicting explosive chemistry as the Hawks' new dynamic duo aims for playoff contention.
The Atlanta Hawks have added another forward to the fold who can create his own shot, create space on the court and playmake at a high level — and his new running mate is already loving what he sees.
Jalen Johnson was asked after Atlanta's win over the Portland Trail Blazers on March 1 what it has been like having Jonathan Kuminga on the floor with him, and he didn't hide his excitement.
"It's cool. It's gonna be exciting. I feel like we're going to play off each other really well," Johnson said. "He creates a lot of pressure downhill and is able to pass out of it, so I think if both of us continue to build that chemistry, we'll be alright."
Hawks coach Quin Snyder echoed the optimism, pointing to the versatility both players bring as a reason to be excited about the pairing.
"You can see them playing together. Those guys have a level of versatility," Snyder said. "I think the thing about both of those guys in my mind is that I'd like to see them just continue to work and to commit to the things that can help our team be successful."
Snyder also identified paint pressure and playmaking as focal points for the group going forward.
"I think we have a lot of guys who are capable of making each other better, whether it is playmaking or attacking the rim and getting fouled," Snyder said. "Not only getting into the paint and at the rim but also being able to find people — that is something that is a big point of emphasis for us and will be with Jonathan as well."
Kuminga has already posted three strong performances in a Hawks uniform — 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists against Washington on Feb. 24, followed by 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists two days later against the Wizards again, then 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists off the bench against Portland on March 1. He and Johnson combined for 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists in that Portland win.
He's also shot the ball well for the Hawks, which has drawn a strong reaction from NBA fans and analysts as to why the Golden State Warriors essentially just gave him away.
On Wednesday, there will be another taste of the Johnson-Kuminga combination — or there would have been. Kuminga has been ruled out against the Milwaukee Bucks due to left knee inflammation, sidelining him for what would have been a nationally televised showcase on ESPN. The Hawks, who sit just 2.5 games behind the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference despite sitting in the 10th spot, could have used him.