As the Atlanta Hawks search for their new pathway to contention, Jonathan Kuminga may be their best hope to answer a crucial question: Who will be Jalen Johnson’s true co-star moving forward? If the end goal is titles for the Hawks, then they need guys leading the way who can help them win games. Johnson is one. But who is the next in line?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker seems more like an elite role player than a true No. 2 option on a title team. The same goes for Dyson Daniels. However, with the way Kuminga has played since the trade deadline, it looks like he still has some untapped potential to be discovered.
Though it may not necessarily be the most likely outcome, Kuminga may be the Hawks’ best hope at finding their No. 2 option in-house.
Jonathan Kuminga may be Hawks' best chance at a second option next to Jalen Johnson
Since joining Atlanta at the deadline, Kuminga has burst onto the scene. After years of turmoil with the Golden State Warriors, he’s gotten a fresh slate, and he’s making the most of it.
The Hawks have been red-hot since Kuminga joined the team, having won 10 straight games (though he hasn’t been in the lineup for all of those wins).
He’s shown flashes of potential stardom, scoring the ball, defending well, and showing off his incredible athleticism. Kuminga has done a little bit of everything for the Hawks.
So far in Atlanta, Kuminga has appeared in six games, playing 22.7 minutes per contest and earning one start. In those six games, he has averaged 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 56.6% from the floor and 58.3% from deep range on 2.0 three-point attempts per contest.
Obviously, those numbers don’t necessarily scream out ‘second option on a championship team.’ However, at just 23 years old, Kuminga still has plenty of room to improve.
He was the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft for a reason. Now, the Hawks have a chance to give him a new chance to show off everything he can do on the court.
If he can continue to grow and improve, he has a chance to become an amazing basketball player. The question is, can he be the second-best player on a title contender?
If the answer is yes, then the Hawks can roll with him and Johnson moving into the future. If not, they may have to search outside the organization for a solution.