ATLANTA – Jonathan Kuminga was cleared to face his former team on Saturday night.
The Hawks forward was not on the injury report for the home game against the Warriors after beingruled out of Friday’s game at Houston to manage a nagging left knee injury.
The game Saturday will be the Warriors’ first against the Hawks since Golden State traded Kuminga at last month’s deadline.
Kuminga has played in just six of 17 games with the Hawks as he deals with asore left knee that has ailed him since Jan. 22, .
Although his form has been uneven, Kuminga has flashed the scoring talent that tantalized the Warriors when they selected him No. 7 overall in the 2021 draft. He is averaging 14.8 points with Atlanta and has made one start.
It has been a much-needed fresh start for the 23-year-old.
After being removed from coach Steve Kerr’s rotation by the end of last season – and only returning to a featured role after Steph Curry was lost in the second round of the playoffs with a hamstring injury – Kuminga looked poised to leave the organization.
His agent, Aaron Turner, went on a public media tour as he attempted to drum up interest in his client.
However, a few days after training camp began, Kuminga re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year, $46.5 million contract.
He began the season as a starter but ineffective play and later injuries relegated Kuminga to a trade chip by the end of his tenure.
The Warriors cut ties with him by sending both Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Kristaps Porzingis, who was ruled out for Saturday’s game with left low-back tightness, as well as illness.