Jonathan Kuminga returns to practice

The Warriors’ 22-year-old forward took part in a team practice for the first time in more than six weeks

On January 4, Jonathan Kuminga suffered a severe ankle sprain in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. 46 days later, the Golden State Warriors forward is finally back practicing with the team.

While Kuminga has missed the last 21 games for the Warriors, he’s still essentially on schedule for his return. The Warriors called it a “significant” right ankle sprain, which probably means Kuminga suffered a high ankle sprain. The general expectation for this is a recovery time of 6-8 weeks, which is the range Kuminga is in right now.

He’ll need to get cleared for five-on-five basketball and perhaps get his conditioning up to NBA level, after spending time on crutches and in a walking boot. Since he’s been out, the roster has significantly changed, with Jimmy Butler arriving and Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and Lindy Waters III departing.

The shorthanded Warriors just signed former lottery pick Kevin Knox to add some forward depth, but nothing will help the roster more than getting Kuminga back. He’s averaging 16.8 points and five rebounds this season. Kuminga’s ability to get to the basket is unique among Warriors forwards not named Jimmy Butler, so his return should help jump-start the offense, even if he’s likely to come back to a bench role.

Kuminga’s return should cut into the minutes of Gary Payton II and Gui Santos, though it seems the Moses Moody may have (finally) earned himself consistent minutes as part of a highly-effective small starting lineup. It also means Knox will have a limited window to prove himself, though his chances at a second 10-day contract remain excellent, given the Warriors’ proximity to the hard cap.

Jonathan Kuminga is practicing. Soon, Jonathan Kuminga will be playing. If the Dubs are going to win it all like Draymond Green promised, they’re going to need Kuminga’s buckets.