The Golden State Warriors have a renewed look since the blockbuster trade of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. They are 8-1 since Butler’s arrival, bringing a new enthusiasm in the Bay Area.
However, the Warriors haven’t played at their full strength yet, as rising star Jonathan Kuminga has been sidelined for over two months due to an ankle injury. But ESPN’s Shams Charania recently shared a positive update about Kuminga that could see him back on the court next week.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Possible Return From Ankle Injury
Kunminga sprained his right ankle during a January 4 game against the Memphis Grizzlies and has missed the Warriors’ last 27 games. The 22-year-old is close to returning now and could be back on the court next week, with Charania reporting that the Warriors are targeting Saturday’s home game against the Detroit Pistons for his return.
“Jonathan Kuminga is really close on a return,” Charania said on the “NBA Countdown.” “He’s in the final stages of a rehab of his significant ankle sprain suffered in January … It’s unlikely to be Monday in Charlotte. They have three more games on this road trip before they return home.”
“I’m told the Warriors are considering waiting until [this] weekend when they’re back at home for his return. His integration, though, will be a big challenge, the next big challenge for the Warriors, seeing what role he had before his injury.”
Kuminga played a vital part in the Warriors’ early-season success, averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game before suffering an injury. He scored in double digits in 17 straight games and was averaging 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over his last 17 games.
Kuminga was the Warriors’ second-leading scorer behind Stephen Curry, but with Butler’s arrival, it’ll be interesting to see how Steve Kerr fits him into their new-look line-up. Regardless of that, the 22-year-old is bound to have a significant impact on the Warriors and could help Golden State make a strong push at an improved seed, as they are currently No. 6 in the Western Conference.
However, Kerr doesn’t want Kuminga to rush and press hard on his comeback, suggesting that it would take time for the G League product to get back into his pre-injury form.
“The main thing I want for JK is to not press when he comes back,” Kerr told Athletic. “It’s not an easy spot to come back into where team’s rolling, contract stuff this summer. He’s going to have a lot on his mind. I want to make things as smooth and easy as possible. I want him to understand that it’s not going to happen right away. He was playing the best basketball of his career before the injury, and it’s not going to happen the first night where he’s going to get back to that level. It will take a little time.”
Kuminga is incredibly athletic and an elite defender, and slowly but surely, he’s bound to find success alongside Butler and Curry.
