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Danny Green on why Jonathan Kuminga should come off the bench for Hawks: "Kind of Jamal Crawford role"
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- Danny Green on why Jonathan Kuminga should come off the bench for Hawks: "Kind of Jamal Crawford role"
It's a fresh start for Jonathan Kuminga after a rather controversial tenure with the Golden State Warriors . Recently traded to the Atlanta Hawks , he is thriving in his new setting, as evidenced by his performances, including a 27-point debut on 75 percent shooting.
Kuminga's addition has also yielded positive results for the Hawks, who are 3-0 since the trade. The young roster, led by head coach Quin Snyder, may just be the perfect recipe for the Congo native to play to his potential. However, doubts remain about his role as a starter.
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In a recent episode of the "No Fouls Given" podcast, three-time NBA champion Danny Green had some advice for Kuminga.
"I prefer him to come off the bench, though, with that group. I feel like he could be that second unit because they already have so many guys in that need the ball, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson ... Those guys making most of the plays. I like him in a second unit and being the guy off the bench and being like that scorer kind of Jamal Crawford role. You know what I'm saying," Green told co-host Paul Pierce , who felt Kuminga was a good fit in the system.
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Consistency remains the biggest worry
In his three games so far with the Hawks, Kuminga has averaged 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists on nearly 68 percent shooting from the field. No doubt, they are impressive numbers, but they are also reminiscent of some of the stretches he had with the Warriors.
The 23-year-old has struggled to maintain a consistent output. Initially showing the potential to be a 20+ point scorer in the league, many are now skeptical that Kuminga can get to that level. Still, both Green and Pierce believe the talent is there, agreeing that Kuminga is more than capable of delivering 20-plus-point outings on any given night.
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Playing on a two-year, $46 million deal, Kuminga remains under contract through this season and 2026–27 before hitting free agency. That gives him enough time to prove his mettle as a potential star after not getting the opportunity he wanted under Steve Kerr.
Optimistic about his new chapter
Kuminga could not have asked for a better start to his tenure with the Hawks, sending a strong message after the Warriors exit . The 6'7" forward had a season-high 27 points in the blowout win against the Washington Wizards .
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"Just staying patient. Trusting the work, trusting my teammates, trusting the coach's game plan, and I think that's where the main focus, just me going through the game … letting things develop the right way and just being poised on offense and defense," Kuminga stated after the game.
Indeed, an impressive start for Kuminga, but it remains to be seen how long he can carry on the momentum. He has made it clear that he wants to be in the starting lineup, though he's also embraced coming off the bench when needed.
At the end of the day, the priority isn't necessarily to start every game — it's consistent minutes and a defined role. If Kuminga gets that opportunity, the rest will depend on how he capitalizes on it.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
