Once again, Jonathan Kuminga had a big game for the Atlanta Hawks, one that was punctuated by a pair of rim-rattling dunks. His performance has been so good that it prompted Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins to thank the Golden State Warriors for their short-sightedness on air.
The situation between the Warriors and Kuminga never made sense to anyone. The 23-year-old forward was good on both ends of the court and has always had the potential to be one of the greats if given the chance. All Golden State had to do was develop him, and they had a future star.
For some reason that no one really understands, the Warriors refused to do that. He was largely left on the bench in favor of veteran forward Draymond Green. The irony of that is Golden State took a chance on Green many years ago and it paid off, yet they weren't willing to do the same for Kuminga.
This all led to an almost year-long saga of the Warriors dancing around a Kuminga trade. It finally happened just before the 2026 deadline, and sent both Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta. It was part of a series of moves the Hawks made that have only strengthened their roster.
Jonathan Kuminga goes big in his new home
The former Warrior is only a couple of games into his tenure in Atlanta, and he's already playing like a new man. Kuminga is getting more minutes, seems to be much happier, and is delivering his best work on the court in years. Everyone is taking notice, including Dominique Wilkins.
Atlanta has a long history of incredible players on the Hawks, but Wilkins is arguably the best of the best. He now works as a member of the commentary team for the Hawks. After a pair of poster-worthy dunks against the Blazers, Wilkins was quick to thank the Warriors on air for the trade.
It's worth noting that the first of Kuminga's dunks was a windmill that was more than a little reminiscent of Wilkins' own dunking skills. On top of that, fans also got in on the action and started a thank-you chant directed at the Warriors, as well.
Anyone paying any attention to the Warriors' situation with Kuminga knew this was going be embarrassing for them. Within two games, he has proven his value to the Hawks, and their legends are already embracing him. Kuminga will be the new start for Atlanta the Warriors gave up on.