Hawks fans' wild Kuminga expectations send brutal warning to Zaccharie Risacher

Hawks basketball is missed.

Even with an underwhelming 26-30 record through 56 games, the All-Star break couldn't end any sooner. Not that it wasn't necessary, but Hawks fans are ready to see how the new-look roster responds to their first real test.

The immediate future seems bright, and speculation can only go so far before the on-court product leaps the in-place narratives. If the same old post-trade deadline roster was what would be depended on following the break, the vibes almost certainly wouldn't be high. A new addition who's yet to suit up, however, could quickly change things.

Jonathan Kuminga, the versatile 23-year-old forward who was acquired in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State, could be nearing a return. That's right, there's a chance he'll be able to make his Atlanta Hawks debut soon after the long break concludes.

The team clearly needs more help than Kuminga can provide, but his insertion into the lineup can only improve their trajectory in both the short and long term. It's no surprise that General Manager Onsi Saleh is so adamant on making low-risk, high-reward transactions, because when they're successful, a winning culture can follow.

When he's available, there's no doubt that Kuminga will be tasked with a heavy minutes load. The only thing that's up in the air, however, is if it comes off the bench or in the starting lineup. The answer for at least the next couple of weeks is obvious: he'll come off the bench for Zaccharie Risacher.

Whether that's the right choice or not remains to be seen, especially since Onsi Saleh revealed he sees Kuminga as more of a power forward. Still, questions remain, and Hawks fans are beginning to give in to the narratives surrounding their polarizing young forwards.

It's not ridiculous to believe Kuminga will eventually start over Risacher

Who could've imagined that a former first-overall pick could potentially be benched in year two? It's something that's hardly ever seen, but not an impossible reality given the context. I asked Hawks fans what they believe could happen in the back half of the season, and many responses suggested that Kuminga will eventually overtake Risacher in the lineup.

There's still plenty of belief in Zaccharie Risacher from the Hawks' fanbase, but his recent struggles are clearly giving him a shorter leash among those who follow the team closest. The next 26 games are important for both Risacher and Kuminga, and each of them stepping up gives Atlanta its best chance at a late-season run.