The Atlanta Hawks have upgraded forward Jonathan Kuminga to questionable for Tuesday’s home game against the Washington Wizards, positioning the 23-year-old for what is widely expected to be his team debut.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that league insiders anticipate Kuminga will see his first action in a Hawks uniform, while Brad Rowland of “Locked On Hawks” initially noted the status change on Monday.
Kuminga has not played since Jan. 22, when he hyperextended his left knee and sustained a bone bruise. Atlanta acquired him and guard Buddy Hield at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Golden State Warriors.
The timing is significant for both player and club. Kuminga signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract last summer after a protracted restricted free-agency negotiation with Golden State. The agreement includes a $24.3 million team option for 2024-25, giving the Hawks the ability to make him an unrestricted free agent this offseason by declining the option.
In 20 games with the Warriors earlier this season, the former No. 7 overall pick averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 23.8 minutes, shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range.
Atlanta enters Tuesday at 28-31, ninth in the Eastern Conference, and recently shuffled its starting lineup while aiming to secure a play-in spot. Kuminga’s anticipated return will give the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate his fit in meaningful minutes down the stretch.
Source: Hoops Wire
