While it does comes as a bit of a disappointment, on the surface, that the Atlanta Hawks were unable to bring back Jonathan Kuminga in free agency - his departure is set to open the door for a variety of forwards who have been patiently waiting their turn.
Could they have used another year behind Kuminga as they further get adjusted to the speed and physicality of the NBA? Sure. But there's no better way to develop than to get on the floor.
Asa Newell, among others, will have an incredible chance to shine, now that the backup power forward spot is open.
Newell will likely get rotation priority to begin the year
Even if Atlanta opted to bring Kuminga back - whether on a short or long-term deal - the idea of Newell becoming a full-time member of the nightly rotation didn't seem far-fetched.
Especially now, it doesn't at all. In the limited time on the floor he got during his rookie season, Newell showed flashes of greatness. He came out of the gates scorching from distance - shooting an exact 50% from deep for a good chunk of his rookie campaign.
That percentage, of course, dwindled as the year went on, but finishing the season above 38% from outside is still very impressive. If that shot can translate to year two, in any way, the Hawks will have struck gold on a late first-round draft pick.
Of all Kuminga's strengths, he's not a particularly excellent three-point shooter. He's not terrible from beyond, either, but Newell replacing him will be a significant upgrade in that specific category.
Being inserted into the rotation after a rookie season filled with exclusion, however, will come with plenty of growing pains. It won't be a perfect year for Newell, and luckily for him, Atlanta won't need him to be. They believe in their developmental process.
He'll be able to work through some struggles, especially early
Another guy who should get an expanded role due to Kuminga's departure is Mo Gueye (if he's even on the roster to begin the season, that is).
Gueye, however, is set to miss the first month or two of the season after undergoing surgery on his left foot. It's no question as to who will be filling the early-season minutes, which very well could've gone to Kuminga or Gueye.
Even if he struggles to begin the year, Asa Newell should, and likely will, be given grace.
Regardless, it should be a fun second season for him, as the Hawks look to take a serious leap in the Eastern Conference standings.
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