Jonathan Kuminga’s Injury 

A Step Closer to Return

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently provided a significant update regarding Jonathan Kuminga’s right ankle sprain.¹

The young forward, who has been sidelined for over 23 games, is now participating in team scrimmages and is set to travel with the team on their upcoming road trip.

As the Warriors push for a strong finish to the season, Kuminga’s return could be a game-changer. His athleticism, versatility, and defensive presence make him a vital piece of the Warriors’ rotation.

Below, we delve into the details of Kuminga’s injury, recovery progress, and what his return means for Golden State.

Stacking good days on top of good days🙏🏾

— Jonathan Kuminga 🇨🇩 (@JonathanKuming6) February 12, 2025

The Incident: How Kuminga Got Injured

Kuminga suffered a sprained right ankle during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 4, 2024. The injury occurred as he attempted to make a play near the basket, landing awkwardly on his foot.

Immediately, there was concern about the severity, as Kuminga was seen limping off the court.

Following medical evaluations, it was determined that Kuminga had sustained a moderate ankle sprain, which required extended rest and rehabilitation.

While some expected a quicker return, the Warriors’ medical staff prioritized a cautious approach, ensuring he was fully recovered before stepping back onto the court.

Missing 23 consecutive games was a significant setback for both Kuminga and the Warriors. The team had to adjust its rotation, relying on other forwards like Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins to fill the void.

Kuminga’s absence was especially felt on the defensive end, where his ability to guard multiple positions had been a key asset.

Jonathan Kuminga’s Recovery

Kuminga’s First Scrimmage Since Injury

During an appearance on the Willard & Dibs podcast, Steve Kerr confirmed that Kuminga has participated in his first team scrimmage since suffering the injury.²

This marks a major milestone in his recovery, as it signals that he is regaining confidence in his ankle.

Kerr also reassured fans that Kuminga’s recovery has gone smoothly with no reported setbacks. This is crucial because ankle injuries can be tricky, sometimes lingering longer than expected. The fact that Kuminga has been progressing without complications is a positive sign.

Another significant update is that Kuminga will travel with the Warriors on their upcoming five-game road trip. This suggests that the team is optimistic about his return and believes he could see action in one of the upcoming games.

Warriors’ Official Statement on Kuminga’s Return

Shortly after Kerr’s comments, the Golden State Warriors released an official statement, further confirming Kuminga’s progress.

“Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who suffered a sprained right ankle on January 4 vs. Memphis and has missed the last 21 games, returned to team practice this evening at Chase Center for the first time since sustaining the injury. His return to game action will be based on his continued progress and physical readiness.”

This statement highlights the team’s careful approach to Kuminga’s return. The Warriors are prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back into action.

Revitalized Warriors Need Defensive Reinforcements

Since the arrival of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have shown signs of resurgence. However, their defense remains inconsistent, and Kuminga’s return will provide much-needed athleticism and defensive versatility.

Kuminga’s return will allow Steve Kerr to experiment with different lineups, giving the Warriors another dynamic scorer and defender off the bench. His ability to play both forward positions provides flexibility, which is key for playoff rotations.

While Kuminga is known for his defensive skills, his offensive game has improved significantly. Before his injury, he was averaging career-high numbers in points and efficiency, contributing as a slasher and transition threat. His return will help ease the scoring burden on Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Limited Minutes Initially

When Kuminga does return, expect the Warriors to limit his minutes in his first few games. This is a common practice to prevent reinjury, especially with an ankle sprain.

He will likely play around 15-20 minutes per game initially, with gradual increases based on his condition.

One of the biggest tests for Kuminga will be how well he moves laterally on defense. His ability to stay in front of quicker guards and wings is crucial for the Warriors’ defensive schemes. If he shows good mobility, it will be a sign that his ankle is fully healed.

Having missed almost two months of action, Kuminga will need some time to rebuild his chemistry with the team, particularly on both ends of the floor. His fit alongside Butler, Curry, and Draymond Green will be key in determining his impact.

Jonathan Kuminga: How the Warriors Have Managed Without Him?

With Kuminga out, Andrew Wiggins has taken on a bigger role defensively.³

While Wiggins has had an up-and-down season, he has been one of the team’s most reliable perimeter defenders in Kuminga’s absence.

Draymond Green has been the anchor of the Warriors’ defense, but without Kuminga, he has had to take on even more responsibilities. The return of Kuminga will ease the defensive load on Draymond, allowing him to focus more on facilitating the offense.

Kuminga’s injury also allowed young players like Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis to step up. Moody, in particular, has impressed with his three-point shooting and perimeter defense, proving that the Warriors have solid depth.

Playoff Push and Seeding Battle

With Kuminga back, the Warriors have a stronger chance of climbing the Western Conference standings. Every game matters as they look to secure a favorable playoff seed and avoid the Play-In Tournament.

Once fully healthy, Kuminga could be a key piece in the Warriors’ playoff rotation. His defensive versatility and ability to guard elite wings like LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be crucial in a deep playoff run.

Despite trade rumors earlier in the season, Kuminga remains a vital part of Golden State’s future.

If he continues to develop, he could become one of the cornerstones of the franchise, particularly as the Curry era eventually transitions to the next generation.

Jonathan Kuminga Was Playing Well Before Going Down with Injury

Before being sidelined with an ankle injury, Jonathan Kuminga was playing exceptional basketball.

He was arguably the lone bright spot in what was a disappointing first half of the season for the Golden State Warriors.

This season, the young forward has appeared in 32 games, averaging 16.8 points while shooting 45.9% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc. He has also contributed 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Jonathan Kuminga’s third season in the NBA was shaping up to be a breakout year. After showing flashes of his potential in his first two seasons, he took a significant step forward in 2024.

The former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft was emerging as a reliable offensive weapon and an improving defender for the Warriors.

Kuminga was becoming more aggressive in attacking the basket, using his athleticism and strength to finish at the rim.

He also improved his jump shot, becoming a respectable three-point shooter. His confidence was growing, and it was evident in his performances before the injury.

His Role in the Warriors’ System

Under head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors have relied on a motion-based offense built around Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Kuminga, however, was carving out his role as a dynamic slasher and secondary scorer.

Unlike previous seasons, where he played limited minutes, Kuminga was receiving consistent playing time and making the most of his opportunities.

His ability to run the floor in transition, crash the offensive glass, and create his own shot gave the Warriors an additional offensive weapon.

With Andrew Wiggins struggling and Klay Thompson showing signs of decline, Kuminga stepped up as a key scoring option behind Curry.

Jonathan Kuminga: Defensive Growth and Versatility

While Kuminga’s offensive numbers were impressive, his defense was also improving.

The 6-foot-8 forward has the physical tools to be an elite defender—length, strength, and lateral quickness.

This season, he was taking on tougher defensive assignments, often guarding the opposing team’s best wing player.

His ability to switch onto guards and big men made him a valuable piece in the Warriors’ defensive schemes.

Although he still had room for improvement in terms of defensive awareness and positioning, his effort on that end of the floor was evident.

Kuminga’s ankle injury was a massive setback for both him and the Warriors. With Golden State struggling to stay in playoff contention, losing one of their most productive players was a major blow.

Before the injury, Kuminga was playing with great confidence, and the Warriors were starting to rely on him as a consistent contributor. His absence left a significant hole in their rotation, forcing Kerr to shuffle lineups in search of production.

The injury also slowed down Kuminga’s development. With more playing time, he was gaining valuable experience, but the setback temporarily halted his momentum.

Warriors’ Struggles Without Kuminga

Golden State was already having a disappointing season, but Kuminga’s injury made things even worse. The team lacked athleticism, energy, and consistent scoring outside of Curry.

Without Kuminga, Wiggins was forced to take on a bigger role, but his struggles continued. Thompson’s inconsistency and Chris Paul’s injury issues further exposed the Warriors’ lack of depth.

Defensively, Kuminga’s absence was also felt. The Warriors had trouble containing athletic wings, and their perimeter defense suffered.

Jonathan Kuminga: Promotion

Jonathan Kuminga teamed up with a hydration drink brand ZenWTR and promoting on his instagram account.

 

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A post shared by ️️️️JK 🇨🇩 (@jonathan_kuminga)

Potential Long-Term Impact on Kuminga’s Career

• While injuries are always unfortunate, Kuminga’s setback shouldn’t affect his long-term development significantly.
• The key will be how well he recovers and whether he can maintain the momentum he built before getting hurt.
• He has already shown that he has the talent to be a future All-Star. If he continues to refine his game—especially his shooting, decision-making, and defense—he could be a cornerstone for the Warriors moving forward.
• The injury might also give him time to analyze his game and come back even stronger. Many young players use injury recoveries to work on their fundamentals, watch film, and develop their basketball IQ.
• The immediate priority for Kuminga is a full recovery. The Warriors will be cautious with his return, ensuring that he doesn’t rush back too soon.
• When he does come back, he will need to regain his rhythm quickly. The Warriors will likely continue to feature him prominently, as they recognize his potential to be a key piece for the franchise’s future.
• The big question is whether the Warriors will still be in playoff contention by the time he returns.
• If not, they might shift their focus to developing young players like Kuminga and Moses Moody.