In the final stretch of any regular season, at least for teams with a realistic shot at a postseason appearance, nightly rotations begin to reach their final form. After a long season filled with constant movement, coaches tend to want a specific group heading into the playoffs.
Amidst all the changes that have defined the Atlanta Hawks' season, one particular storyline has shifted the lineup outlook in both the immediate and long-term future. Jonathan Kuminga, the polarizing young forward acquired by Atlanta just before February's trade deadline, has made Coach Snyder quickly realize exactly what he wants out of his second unit.
The versatility he brings gives him an edge over other contributors
In five consecutive games, Kuminga has been Atlanta's sixth man, playing the most nightly minutes out of anyone coming off the bench. For the most part, he's been everything they've needed. The team's depth has been underwhelming in recent weeks, but the newcomer is slowly flipping that narrative.
If there's any hope of a deep postseason run, they'll need him to keep it up. His offensive attack was on full display in the Hawks' recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 30 minutes off the bench, Kuminga recorded 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 11-of-20 shooting from the field.
Kuminga’s been awesome so far.
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) April 8, 2026
Killing it in the mid-range and defending well.
The volume is what sticks out. Kuminga identified a mismatch in Cleveland's defensive scheme that he could take advantage of, and didn't waste any time in doing so. His ability to dominate the mid-range and drive at an aggressive rate gives Atlanta a boost they've needed for some time.
Fans often grow frustrated with the way he's prioritized over guys like Zaccharie Risacher and Mo Gueye, but the nightly upside he possesses outweighs any potential growing pains he might display. Coach Snyder's decision to make him the team's sixth man couldn't have been easier.
Kuminga's contract situation is the true elephant in the room.
Now, it'd be disingenuous not to mention the optics surrounding his arrival. Kuminga has an expensive team option after this season, and the coaching staff understands they need to give him some extended late-season run in order to help the front office decide what they want to do.
It's not a problem for now, as Kuminga and the Hawks are focused on the task at hand, but it'll certainly be a major topic of discussion once the summer hits. If he continues playing like this in the final stretch and into the postseason, he'll have once again made a vital decision much easier for the Hawks to make.