The Golden State Warriors received some positive injury news amidst their up-and-down season, as star forward Draymond Green has been cleared to return to practice this week. Green, who has missed the past four games with a strained left calf, is poised to rejoin team workouts and ramp up his conditioning.
While Green’s impending return provides a boost, the Warriors will have to wait a bit longer for the services of promising young forward Jonathan Kuminga. The 20-year-old has been sidelined for the past three weeks with a sprained right ankle suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 4.
He’s not close to coming back. He’s on a bike just now. He’s not been on the court in any other capacity other than just shooting stationary shots. So it’s going to be some time.
– Warriors coach Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga’s status
Kuminga, who had been playing some of the best basketball of his young career prior to the injury, is expected to begin light on-court work in the next week. However, his return to game action appears to still be multiple weeks away, with the Warriors taking a cautious approach.
Green’s Impact and Warriors’ Depth
There’s no question that getting Draymond Green back in the fold is a major development for Golden State. The veteran forward is the defensive anchor and emotional leader of the team. His ability to guard multiple positions, communicate on that end, and act as a facilitator on offense is crucial to the Warriors’ success.
In Green’s absence, the Warriors have had to lean more heavily on reserves like JaMychal Green, Anthony Lamb, and Patrick Baldwin Jr. While they’ve held their own, there’s a noticeable drop-off on both ends when Draymond is off the floor.
Green’s fiery demeanor and versatile skills are vital to Golden State’s identity.
The good news for the Warriors is that reinforcements have started to arrive. Both guard Brandin Podziemski and wing Gary Payton II recently returned from their own injuries to bolster the second unit.
- Podziemski, a rookie sharpshooter, missed time with an abdomen strain
- Payton II, a key offseason acquisition, was out with a calf strain of his own
Their availability, along with Green’s impending return, should help stabilize the Warriors rotation and allow head coach Steve Kerr to deploy more of his preferred lineups and strategies. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney holding down the fort, Golden State will look to build momentum in anticipation of the stretch run.
Kuminga’s Progress and Potential Timeline
Before his ankle sprain, Jonathan Kuminga was enjoying a breakout stretch in his second season. The springy forward was exhibiting his tantalizing potential on both ends, using his athleticism to finish above the rim, handle the ball in transition, and provide versatile defense.
While Kuminga works his way back, the Warriors will hope to see continued progress from fellow youngsters Moses Moody and James Wiseman. Any positive developmental steps from the trio would be a boon to Golden State’s present and future outlook.
Based on the Warriors’ current assessment, a realistic target for Kuminga’s return would be sometime after the All-Star break in late February. Golden State has eight games remaining before the break, followed by a road-heavy March schedule. Ideally, Kuminga can use that time to regain his conditioning and rhythm.
The Warriors training staff is always going to prioritize the long-term health of our players, especially the younger guys. We know how important Jonathan is to our present and future. We’ll make sure he’s 100% right before bringing him back.
– Warriors General Manager Bob Myers on Kuminga’s rehab
The Big Picture for Golden State
Sitting at 25-24, the defending champion Warriors have had an inconsistent season to date. Injuries, uneven play, and a heavy road schedule have all contributed to their .500 record. However, there are reasons for optimism moving forward.
- Stephen Curry continues to play at an MVP level as the offensive fulcrum
- Klay Thompson has shaken off his early rust and regained his shooting stroke
- Andrew Wiggins is enjoying the best all-around season of his career
- The bench has flashed promise and should get a boost from returning players
Of course, the Warriors’ championship pedigree and experience can’t be discounted. This is a battle-tested group that has consistently peaked at the right time. With Green set to return and Kuminga progressing in his rehab, Golden State appears poised to start climbing up the standings.
The Western Conference playoff race promises to be a dogfight, with the Nuggets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and others all vying for positioning. But if the Warriors can get healthy and find their footing, they’ll be a scary proposition for any opponent come playoff time. The next few weeks will be telling as the Dubs look to reassert themselves as a title favorite.
