Jonathan Kuminga has been at a high level for the Golden State Warriors this season, posting career-high averages of 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His scoring ability has been a big part of the Warriors’ offensive success, as he has been efficient from the field, shooting 45.9%. Kuminga has also seen increased three-point attempts, averaging 3.6 per game and hitting 34.5% of those shots. Kuminga has been switching between the starting lineup and coming off the bench, and he helped the Warriors get off to a strong 12-3 start. However, since his ankle injury, Golden State has struggled, with a 4-6 record in his absence.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Kuminga is “weeks away” from returning, with his ankle still wrapped. “Jonathan Kuminga remains weeks away from a return. Ankle still wrapped and he hasn’t advanced to any real court work. This was a bad sprain. Could be talking post All-Star break. He’s been around and in positive spirits,” Slater stated.
Mentioned within the podcast: Jonathan Kuminga remains weeks away from a return. Ankle still wrapped and he hasn’t advanced to any real court work. This was a bad sprain. Could be talking post All-Star break. He’s been around and in positive spirits. https://t.co/pwetWCkR3V
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 24, 2025
Kuminga hurt his right ankle on January 4 during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Since then, he’s missed 10 games, and there’s still no clear timeline for when he’ll return. The Warriors have been dealing with this injury on top of other struggles, sitting at a .500 record (22-22). Coach Steve Kerr has had to rely more on guys like Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson, and Quinten Post, but none of them have quite filled the gap that Kuminga left. The Warriors need him back to help get them back on track.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Recovery Timeline And Impact On The Warriors
Despite his injury, Kuminga has remained involved with the team and is in good spirits. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr offered an update, noting that Kuminga is progressing but has not yet resumed on-court work. “He’s progressing, but it was a pretty bad ankle sprain, and he hasn’t been on the court yet or anything. But he’s getting rehab every day, and he’s doing strength stuff and he’s on the bike, so he’s doing as well as possible. But he’s nowhere close to being ready,” Kerr said. Kuminga has been focusing on rehabilitation and strengthening exercises but is still not cleared for basketball activity.
Before his injury, Kuminga was showing significant improvement in all aspects of his game. In 32 appearances this season, he had already surpassed his career-high averages, including 16.8 points per game and 5.0 rebounds. His shooting from the field (45.9%) and three-point range (34.5%) represented substantial improvements over previous seasons. Moreover, Kuminga owned the fourth-best net rating among all Warriors players, appearing in at least 25 games.
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Kuminga’s absence has been especially challenging for the Warriors, who have also dealt with injuries to crucial players like Draymond Green, sidelined with a calf strain. The Warriors have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games and are struggling to stay competitive in the Western Conference. Steph Curry’s side lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in their previous game, sitting at 22-23; they currently occupy the 11th spot in the standings. The Warriors have a busy 11-game stretch before the All-Star break. Having Kuminga back after that could be exactly what they need to find their rhythm again.
