Steve Kerr Rooting For Jonathan Kuminga As Hawks Face Warriors

Merlin notes Steve Kerr saying "I want the best for him" about Jonathan Kuminga as the Hawks visit Golden State, their first meeting since the Feb. 5 trade. Despite a strained relationship that included benchings and a Dec. 10 office confrontation that ended with Kerr slamming his white board, Kerr expresses no ill will and calls the deal sensible. Kuminga has been efficient for Atlanta when healthy, averaging 14.8 points on 56.6 percent shooting, but a lingering knee issue leaves his Saturday status uncertain. Merlin sees the swap as a clearing of paths. Golden State gains a clear role for Kristaps Porzingis beside Steph while Atlanta rides an 11-game streak and a young wing finding form. This game will answer whether Kuminga can flourish in new circumstances and validate Kerr’s belief that the trade could be a win for both sides.