Golden State Warriors Vooruit Jonathan Kuminga has been set up for a return to action on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report.
Kuminga played against the Memphis Grizzlies for the last time on January 4, missed 31 games due to a straight single -disposal.
In the season, Kuminga is an average of 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and just below a handle per game. He started with only 10 of the 32 games he played.
He had his best month in December, shortly before the injury, on average 21.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Golden State has been 12-2 since the trade theadline and will only be further strengthened by the scoring punch that Kuminga adds to it.
What does Kuminga fit in?
Given the lack of floor distance Butler and Drayond Green, throwing Kuminga in the starting line -up can make it awkward. Especially in view of the success of the current starting five, it is very unlikely that Kuminga will replace someone in the first five.
However, adding Kuminga to the bank can be an important boost. Butler has helped the team to perform better in non-Steep Curry minutes, and he will probably enjoy the chance to make Kuminga better. Other young players such as Moses Moody and Brandon Podziemski have thrive since the arrival of Butler.
Kuminga plays for a contract
An interesting piece in all this is the fact that Kuminga becomes a limited free agent at the end of the season.
Kuminga and head coach Steve Kerr have previously clashed with regard to frustration about his role and the arrival of Butler can only make that more complicated.
That said, Andrew Wiggins is out of the picture, so there can still be enough opportunity for Kuminga to show his skills, even when it’s off the bank.
Making an important contribution to an extensive play -off run can make the difference. Kuminga will do well to remind itself that the moment of Jordan Poole in the sun came so long ago.
