The trade of Jimmy Butler has brought about new life in the Chase Center. The Warriors have been on their redemption arc since signing ‘Jimmy Buckets’ in their hunt for the playoffs. But he’s just the newbie at the Chase Center. The rest of the squad has been lackluster throughout the season, despite boasting the likes of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. If the Warriors faithful claim injuries to be their kryptonite, then Jonathan Kuminga is the poster boy of the lot. Luckily for the Bay Area reps, Steve Kerr has positive news regarding the Congolese forward.

Kuminga has been dealing with a sprained right ankle since he was having a blaster against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 4th. He scored 13 points in the space of just 15 minutes before it all went downhill. Kuminga jumped to the Warriors’ rescue, trying to challenge a shot by the Grizzlies’ Jake LaRavia. But the fall was awkward, resulting in him landing on his ankle instead. You could feel the discomfort on his face as he was immediately rushed off the pitch, not to return and celebrate their win with the rest of the gang.

But it’s coach Kerr to the rescue. Their recent form has been rewarded with positive news about the 22-year-old. During a press conference, Steve was asked about the availability of his player by Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

A clip of this recording was posted by Slater on his X handle, in which Kerr confirmed Jonathan’s involvement in 5-on-5 scrimmages. His availability for the backend of the season is vital to their playoff hopes.

“So far so good, he was in the scrimmage yesterday. I haven’t talked to him today so I don’t know how he’s feeling today… but he’s progressing,” claimed Kerr. The 2021 No. 7 pick has averaged 16.8 PPG and 5 RPG shooting with a 45.9 FG%. If the hopeful Warriors playoff is still very much on, then Kuminga’s return and impact are the key to supporting the likes of Steph, Butler, and Dray.

It’s important to remember his need for a gradual return as well. You don’t want him in the thick of things from the get-go of his re-initiation in the starting 5- something which Steve Kerr has insisted on doing. Due to this, he’s guaranteed to miss at least the next two matches before being re-evaluated ahead of 5 games on the road.

Kuminga’s news is a silver lining in woeful Warriors injury list

JK’s ankle injury is a worrying blow to the Bay Area team, despite what their recent form with Jimmy Butler in the lineup might suggest. He’s just a newcomer in the long list of woes that the Golden State has been harboring throughout the season.

The most impactful injuries have been to their star players, which has been a huge problem for Steve Kerr’s ship. The likes of Curry and Draymond have had their battles on the sidelines. Steph has been battling persistent bilateral knee tendinitis this season, which has occasionally limited his minutes.

But ‘Chef Curry’ has been cooking for the Warriors throughout the season regardless, as is the deal with Green. A left calf strain recently against the Wizards kept him out of the team for three games, with a slow reintroduction being executed for the veteran.

As of now, the most recent injury report does read as such for them, as Trayce Jackson-Davis is the only new absentee from the lineup ahead of the Mavs game due to an illness. It shows the true importance of Jonathan Kuminga in Steve Kerr’s mission to glory, which has been aided by his potential return to action.

With Kuminga nearing his return, how much of an impact do you think he’ll have on the Warriors’ playoff push? Drop your thoughts below!