Paul Pierce explains why Jonathan Kuminga is a perfect fit for the Atlanta Hawks, who are 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game through six games.
There has been growing speculation after Jonathan Kuminga made an impressive start to the 2025-26 season, averaging 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists across his first six appearances for the Atlanta Hawks. Naturally, many are wondering how long he can sustain this level of production.
While his critics remain cautious, former NBA champion Paul Pierce has fully embraced that excitement, explaining why Kuminga appears perfectly suited to thrive in Atlanta's system.
The Hawks feature a young core that thrives on pace and energy, including players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. Kuminga's arrival is a major boost for these players. The latter's ability to guard multiple positions while scoring efficiently, as evidenced by Kuminga shooting 56.6 percent from the field and 58.3 percent from beyond the arc, makes him a versatile two-way, off-the-ball threat that the Hawks needed. Put simply, he adds versatility without disrupting the team's rhythm.
More importantly, Kuminga has also shown that when his team is in tough stretches and desperately needs to score, he can effortlessly shoulder that responsibility, giving his teammates time to find their form.
That is why Pierce feels Kuminga is the most suited player for this Hawks team as he is fast, efficient, and versatile to be able to execute different roles in games.
"I think he fits their system. I mean, if you look at the Atlanta Hawks' identity as a team that wants to create turnovers, get out and run, and use their youth and athleticism. If they can do that, which they have been doing with him, he looks great," Pierce said. "Where he struggles times maybe in a half court, but if you make it a running game and you got Kuminga out there in transition, he's a perfect fit for them."
While Atlanta already possesses several young offensive contributors along with a solid veteran in CJ McCollum, Kuminga's consistency could ultimately be the differentiating factor. If he can consistently outperform opponents' second- and third-best players night in and night out, it would give the Hawks a competitive edge and strengthen their chances of making a deep playoff run.
For now, the key question remains: how long can Kuminga maintain this impressive form? One thing is certain — Pierce surely has high hopes for the 23-year-old forward. Despite the early ups and downs, the Hawks seem to have found a key player alongside Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu for the long term.