Hall of Fame Forward Praises Hawks Trade Deadline Acquisition

The Atlanta Hawks took a flyer on a low floor high ceiling player during the NBA trade deadline. They traded Kristaps Porzingis for Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga had been on the trade block for months, and teams around the league were debating how willing they were to bring him onto their roster. 

Kuminga showed flashes of some great basketball in Golden State, but his inconsistency and attitude made it so that he was never really able to flourish. The Warriors genuinely believed they were a better team without Kuminga on the court. This raised red flags around the league about just how valuable Kuminga really was. 

The Hawks took the risk and the early returns have been nice. Kuminga is averaging 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his first three games with the Hawks.

Paul Pierce recently spoke about why he thinks things are working out better for Kuminga in Atlanta. 

“Well, I think he fits their system. I mean, if you look at the Atlanta Hawks identity as a team that wants to create turnovers, get out and run, use their youth and athleticism. If they can do that, which they have been doing with him, he looks great. Where he struggles times maybe in a half court, but if you make it a running game and you got Kuminga out there in transition, he’s a perfect fit for them.”

The Warriors system does take a high IQ, something Kuminga hasn’t shown that he has. Maybe the Hawks run and gun style will fit better with his skill set and limitations. Three games isn’t enough to know, but the beginning of Kuminga’s time with the Hawks looks pretty promising.