Golden State Warriors fans would be forgiven for not quite remembering who that guy was out there against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night who scored a smooth 20 points.
That's Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga had sat out the last 16 Warriors games. Not due to injuries, no, but as the dreaded DNP-CD (coach's decision).
His last game with Golden State had been Dec. 18.
Since then, he's been mired in trade rumors, and those won't slow down even now that Kuminga is back on the court.
But Tuesday's game against the Raptors showed the irony of Kuminga's situation.
He glided around the court to score 20 points, all of a sudden getting action because Jimmy Butler tore his ACL. Kuminga clearly has talent.
He showed it in the playoffs last season, too, when Butler and Steph Curry both missed time with injuries.
But when everyone is healthy, Golden State hasn't figured out how to incorporate him into the rotation.
Jonathan Kuminga tonight:
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) January 21, 2026
20 PTS
5 REB
2 AST
7-10 FG
First game after 16 consecutive DNP-CDs.Pic.twitter.com/Ow4JAAo9gI
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The Kuminga situation led to contentious offseason negotiations with him as a restricted free agent, and they've led to bizarre playing time trends this season.
Kuminga began the year as a starter and was playing well, yet he didn't take long to fall out of the rotation entirely.
Now, a trade feels like it must be coming, although to what team and for what in return remains a mystery.
But all Kuminga can do is play the hand he's dealt, and now back on the floor, he still looks like the talented player he always has been.
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