Jonathan Kuminga nears his Hawks debut, actively participating in shootaround.
Jonathan Kuminga’s long-awaited Atlanta Hawks debut is quickly approaching. The 23-year-old forward went through shootaround before the team's matchup against the Washington Wizards. It's the clearest sign yet that he's almost fully recovered from a left knee bone bruise that has kept him sidelined recently.
Kuminga has not played since Jan. 22 after hyperextending his knee. However, he was upgraded to questionable on the Hawks' official injury report submitted to the NBA. For a team seeking to compete in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, gaining Kuminga into the fold should provide a helpful boost.
Atlanta enters Tuesday night at 28-31, sitting ninth in the East and looking to build momentum after a comeback win over the Brooklyn Nets. The Wizards, meanwhile, arrive with a 16-40 record and a lengthy injury list, presenting what could be an ideal environment for the former Bay Area team star to ease into Quin Snyder’s rotation if cleared.
Based on what was visible at Hawks shootaround, Kuminga appears to be moving fluidly during on-court activity, mostly during shooting drills.
Kuminga was traded to the Hawks, along with Buddy Hield, in a deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Golden State Warriors. No draft picks were involved.
General manager Onsi Saleh highlighted his rim pressure, rebounding, and defensive versatility after the trade was made official, providing a boost in areas that the Hawks have lacked consistently on the wing. Kuminga signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal last offseason that includes a team option for next season. If Atlanta declines that option, he would become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
While participation in shootaround does not guarantee availability, it signals that the organization is preparing for the possibility of his return.
“The rim pressure that he puts on, he’s a phenomenal athlete,” Saleh said at the time. “In transition, he could be absolutely phenomenal… and he adds size at the wing position.”
Atlanta currently leads the NBA in assists per game at 30.3, reflecting coach Quin Snyder's emphasis on ball movement and pushing the pace. However, Kuminga's ability to attack downhill with force and make plays brings a valuable skill set to the wing, helping take pressure off Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and CJ McCollum.
In 20 appearances this season prior to injury, Kuminga averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field.
For now, his status remains officially questionable, but Kuminga's first game with the Hawks appears imminent.