Warriors fans can be forgiven for forgetting about Jonathan Kuminga. After all, the 22-year-old star has been out due to an ankle injury since early January. Besides, after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, the team is on its hottest stretch of the season.
Advertisement
But Golden State values the Congolese small forward. The franchise had the opportunity to part ways with Kuminga at the trade deadline, yet elected to keep him. The Warriors believe he can be a key piece to their current roster and their future.
The team management’s confidence is understandable. Before his injury, Kuminga was running hot, averaging a career-high 16.8 points along with 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The star forward has missed the last 26 games due to injury. But that may change soon.
NBA analyst Anthony Slater provides encouraging news of a possible return date for Kuminga. In fact, the Warriors had hoped he would be back for their March 3rd game against the Hornets.
But the ankle wasn’t quite ready, so the team didn’t green-light him. But the wait may not last much longer, as per Slater.
“[Kuminga] has not been officially ruled out of tomorrow’s game in Brooklyn, so I guess it’s possible he returns tomorrow night,” Slater said on 95.7 The Game.
“The team and Jonathan Kuminga decided the ankle wasn’t quite ready for Charlotte, so they didn’t green light him for this back-to-back. He has not been officially ruled out of tomorrow’s game in Brooklyn, so I guess it’s possible he returns tomorrow night.
“It’s possible they… pic.twitter.com/VBh912jpE1— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 5, 2025
If Kuminga isn’t ready for the Warriors‘ matchup against the Nets, Slater believes he will suit up during Golden State’s upcoming homestand. Regardless, Kuminga will return to the lineup soon.
The return of the young star is amazing news for the Warriors. The 6-foot-8 forward will serve as a much-needed spark plug off the bench, potentially becoming a crucial factor in making their championship aspirations a reality.
Kuminga will enter a new situation
Kuminga will likely come off the bench when he returns. This will require him to adapt to a new role compared to what he had before his injury. However, it won’t be a limitation for the rest of the season.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr probably will wait until Kuminga’s fitness is in game shape before throwing him into the starting five. Golden State already runs a small five-man lineup with Draymond Green at center. Kuminga will slide in next to Butler at the small forward position, replacing Moses Moody.
The Warriors have an excess of capable bodies which is a good problem to have. It will be interesting to see what Kerr and his coaching staff decide to do once Kuminga returns.
