Southeast Roundup: Kuminga’s Return, Powell’s Bench Stint, White’s Surge, Wizards’ Late-Season Focus
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Atlanta: Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga will miss Friday’s game in Houston because of a left-knee issue, but team officials expect him to play Saturday in Atlanta against the Warriors, his first meeting with his former club. Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said the organization bears no hard feelings toward the 23-year-old and wants to see him thrive with the Hawks. Kerr added that the trade bringing Kristaps Porziņģis to the Warriors offered a clearer role for both players and could benefit both franchises.
Although the on-court fit in San Francisco never clicked, Kuminga formed close ties inside the Warriors’ front office, including with current Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh, who previously served as Golden State’s vice president of basketball strategy. League sources say Atlanta and Kuminga’s representatives are open to the club declining his $24.3 million option for 2026/27 to negotiate a new multiyear deal this summer.
Miami: Heat guard Norman Powell has come off the bench in two of three games since returning from a seven-game absence caused by a groin strain. The All-Star still logged at least 30 minutes in each contest and said he accepts a reserve role when matchups call for it, noting that his priority is helping Miami win.
Charlotte: Coby White is embracing a sixth-man role with the Hornets. The former Bull is averaging 23.0 points in 23.0 minutes over his last three games while shooting 51.2 percent from the field, 41.7 percent from three and 93.8 percent at the foul line. Head coach Charles Lee praised White’s aggressiveness, passing and ability to draw contact, calling his growth “really good.”
Washington: Veteran guard Trae Young and rookie Tre Johnson want extended minutes together during the season’s final weeks, according to The Athletic. The Wizards are using the closing stretch to evaluate lineups and accelerate Johnson’s development alongside the former All-Star.
Source: Hoops Rumors
