Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been out of action since January 4 due to an ankle injury. Over two months later, there is still no concrete timetable for his return. However, based on the latest reports, it could happen sooner rather than later.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Kuminga has progressed in his recovery and could play as soon as Thursday (YouTube link).
“Jonathan Kuminga had a three-on-three workout in Philadelphia and I was in the gym afterwards and you could tell the ankle was still bothering him, he was grabbing at it, talking to the trainers. I saw him that night after the game in Philly, which he didn’t play in obviously, but he was still icing his ankle postgame, there’s just been some residual swelling so this last stage of rehab is just taken longer than they thought. They kind of projected he might be back around last week but I could see him Thursday night. He’s had a couple good scrimmages this last week, you’re going to see him very soon, like I said maybe as early as Thursday.”
If Kuminga does return on Thursday, it would be against the Sacramento Kings, who have lost three of their last four games.
Golden State Warriors Contributor’s Return from Injury Imminent?
Expectations for Jonathan Kuminga Upon His Return from Injury
A couple of weeks ago, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke about Kuminga’s eventual return. In doing so, he made it clear that he wants the fourth-year pro to ease into things (subscription required).
“The main thing I want for JK is to not press when he comes back,” Kerr said. “It’s not an easy spot to come back into where team’s rolling, contract stuff this summer. He’s going to have a lot on his mind. I want to make things as smooth and easy as possible. I want him to understand that it’s not going to happen right away. He was playing the best basketball of his career before the injury, and it’s not going to happen the first night where he’s going to get back to that level. It will take a little time.”
Before his injury, Kuminga averaged 16.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
The Last Word On Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga’s return should be major for the Warriors. Though it looked like they were going to miss the postseason a couple of months ago, they have turned things around. This is largely due to acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat ahead of last month’s trade deadline. Since landing Butler, the Warriors are 12-2 and own the No. 6 seed in the West. With a month left in the season, the Warriors look like potential title contenders once again.
Once Kuminga officially makes his return, the Warriors will have an extra reinforcement as they look to build momentum heading into the playoffs. Whether Kuminga will return on Thursday or not remains to be seen. If not, his status from here on out is worth monitoring as the end of the season approaches.
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