After weeks of speculation, newly minted Hawk Jonathan Kuminga finally made his Atlanta Hawks debut, and it was well worth the wait. He stunned the Washington Wizards (16-41), finishing the game with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. It was his season high after riding the bench in San Francisco due to a rift with Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr.
Fans were thrilled to see Jonathan dominate off the bench, but it’s apparent this won’t last long. Kuminga’s talents are better utilized in the starting lineup, and at 6 '7, he’s perfect for the small forward position. He adds much-needed rebounding and physicality on the wing, along with consistent scoring, something Zaccharie Risacher lacks.
The lineup change will be ironic, since Hawks coach Quin Snyder made headlines the game before by benching their former first overall pick. Snyder decided that CJ McCollum would serve as a better replacement, but seeing Jonathan’s performance last night has changed everything.
He’s undoubtedly a better fit for a starting role, and he made his intentions for this team very clear in the post-game interview with Hawks sideline reporter Madison Hock.
Kuminga said, “We’re trying to win so many games, so we’re going out with the mindset of winning, and as long as you go out there with that mindset, everything else will follow through.” He then answered Hock’s follow-up question about his happy emotions after his Hawks debut.
“It’s the group of guys we got, collectively we all mess around every time, and I think it’s great. It brings joy to the game, and that’s very important.”
Kuminga brought an all-around impact in his debut
Jonathan Kuminga will impact the Hawks in multiple ways, but his most important strength is to alleviate pressure off Risacher. The 20-year-old Frenchman has been the butt of many jokes on social media, but it’s apparent the front office isn’t giving up on their foreign venture so easily.
He came off the bench to finish with 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. It wasn’t much, but it’s a step in the right direction after weeks of underperforming. Throughout his ups and downs, Risacher has been extremely coachable, so it’s no surprise he’s coming off the bench with a positive attitude.
Although many fans might believe today that the team would be better if Risacher were eventually traded, this is far from the case. Risacher has a critical role on this team and the potential to grow into a truly valuable player. He has just been miscast in the starting lineup that lacks serious offensive creation without Trae Young.
Risacher was drafted to play a Klay Thompson role alongside Young, using spacing and defense to cover his star teammate's unique strengths and weaknesses. But with Young gone, Risacher was playing in a starting five where every player was expected to create on the ball.
As you would expect, Risacher struggled. With Kuminga as a more natural on-ball creator and fit alongside the other young starters (Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu), Risacher can step into a supercharged sixth man role. Against weaker defenders and with two talented offensive creators on the floor, the former top pick can return to his natural role and find his rhythm. Perhaps he could even supplant Alexander-Walker in the starting five if he impresses.
Without Kuminga, however, this wouldn't be possible. CJ McCollum is currently starting, leaving Kuminga in the bench scoring role.
When Kuminga inevitably replaces McCollum, CJ will fill Kuminga's old role as the bench scorer. This will allow Risacher to play in an optimal lineup for his development while he builds for a bounce-back third season.