Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga is getting closer to his NBA debut, but the No. 7 overall draft pick will have to wait at least another week before he can play in a game.
The Warriors announced Saturday that Kuminga, who is recovering from a a strained right patellar tendon suffered in a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 6, has been cleared to participate in full team practices.
Golden State has ruled the 19-year-old out for the next three games against the Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies. Kuminga will be re-evaluated Friday, Oct. 29.
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Earlier this week, Warriors coach Steve Kerr went on 95.7 The Game and addressed Kuminga's rehab work.
"Kenny Atkinson is working closely with Jonathan [Kuminga] and they’ve had good workouts the last two days, so the knee is improving," Kerr said Wednesday.
The Warriors got a glimpse of Kuminga's vast potential during the Las Vegas Summer League, but they know the 6-foot-8 forward is a raw talent that needs lots of development time. And because of the lofty expectations of the team and the desire to chase wins this year, they don't need to rush Kuminga back.
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As NBC Sports Bay Area's Kendra Andrews wrote, the Warriors are smart to take it slow with Kuminga and second-year pro James Wiseman, who is recovering from meniscus surgery.
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Even when Kuminga is healthy and cleared to play in games, Kerr can ease him into the rotation. Fellow 2021 lottery pick Moses Moody has played just nine minutes in the Warriors' first two games this season.
For now, the good news for Kuminga and Warriors fans is that the rookie is inching closer to his highly-anticipated NBA debut.