(Video) Hawks Fans Troll Warriors After Jonathan Kuminga’s Explosive Performance

Jonathan Kuminga has been on a tear for the Atlanta Hawks ever since he came from the Golden State Warriors via trade.

(Video) Hawks Fans Troll Warriors After Jonathan Kuminga’s Explosive Performance

Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Jonathan Kuminga has made a strong start with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 21.3 points and 7.6 rebounds in his first three games.
  • Hawks fans celebrated his performance with chants thanking the Warriors for trading him.
  • Franchise legend Dominique Wilkins criticized the Warriors for giving up on Kuminga, highlighting his potential.

Just less than a month ago, Jonathan Kuminga was with the Golden State Warriors, still fighting for a chance to play for the team after sitting out several games.

That decision to not feature in those games was not his to take. Rather, it was clear that head coach Steve Kerr did not want to upset the rotation he had, which was already starting to take shape as a team that could play with each other.

After initially facing flak from Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. about his trade request, the Warriors eventually shipped the 23-year-old to the Atlanta Hawks along with fellow teammate Buddy Hield in a trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Bay Area.

Since joining the Warriors, the Latvian ‘Unicorn’ has only been able to play in one of their eight games so far. On the other hand, the DR Congo native has appeared in three games for the Hawks.

In his debut, he exploded for 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Impressive numbers for someone coming off the bench. He followed that with a 17-point, 9-rebound, and 3-assist effort in the second of their games against the Washington Wizards.

After starting that game, he was back on the bench against the Portland Trail Blazers. In 25 minutes, he scored 20 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and had 3 assists, along with 2 steals.

During this performance, a journalist captured a video of Atlanta’s 404 Crew cheering and chanting Jonathan Kuminga’s name from the stands. More importantly, they were trolling the Warriors, thanking them for sending the forward to their team for nothing.

Hawks legend joins in to take shots at Warriors after Jonathan Kuminga trade

Atlanta Hawks fans are not the only ones to talk about how the Golden State Warriors did them a favor by sending them a young guard with such abilities at his disposal. Franchise legend Dominique Wilkins was also in on it.

Oh man. Thank you, Golden State Warriors. We appreciate it… I’m not surprised. We’ve seen Kuminga do this before in Golden State. How you give up on a guy that young, with that ability, is beyond me.

Dominique Wilkins said on broadcast

This reaction came about when Jonathan Kuminga exploded for a two-handed dunk, only to switch onto his left hand and finish with a powerful throwdown.

The Hall of Famer was shocked by what the Warriors gave up, especially when they took an oft-injured older big man earning a lot more money for this young forward, who is inching to show what he can do.

Wilkins believes this was the best trade for his former team, especially after they ended their chapter with Trae Young a while before making this trade to bring in Jonathan Kuminga.

Jonathan Kuminga averaging career-highs after Hawks debut

Those highlight reel plays aside, Jonathan Kuminga has been averaging a stellar 21.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in his first three games with the Atlanta Hawks.

Jonathan Kuminga is excelling for the Hawks
Jonathan Kuminga is excelling for the Hawks (Image via Basket USA/X)

Even though some would point to their weak competition, it is still impressive that their performances have helped them win all three games. After all, the young forward came off the bench and played limited minutes.

Those are major improvements over what he managed with the Golden State Warriors. Even though many would want to wait for a full season to unveil if he is really that good, early signs are promising.

All the former seventh-overall pick needs is some good coaching, supportive teammates, and a franchise willing to give him time to acclimatize and get better.

If and when he does, it would be the most embarrassing situation for his former head coach, Steve Kerr, who was visibly frustrated whenever the media would ask him about Jonathan Kuminga.

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