The Kuminga Evaluation: Atlanta’s High-Stakes Second Half

  • By Tim Ogles

    Last Updated on February 18, 2026 11:12 am by Tim Ogles | Published: February 18, 2026

    The Atlanta Hawks made one of the most intriguing roster upgrades at the 2026 trade deadline when they acquired forward Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis. The move signaled a shift toward youth, versatility, and a more dynamic two-way lineup under head coach Quin Snyder.

    Kuminga arrives in Atlanta with a blend of athleticism, size, and untapped scoring potential that few young wings in the league possess. Through 20 games this season, he averages 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He shoots approximately 45% from the field and about 32% from 3-point range- numbers that illustrate both promise and room for growth.

    Comparatively, second-year man Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is having a down year relative to his promising rookie campaign. Risacher averages 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 45% from the field and 35% from three. His efficiency from deep marks a step back from his solid closing stretch last season.

    In his 2024-25 rookie season, Risacher showed real scoring punch, particularly in the second half of the year, where his efficiency spiked, and he began to flourish as a 3-and-D wing.  This season, however, inconsistency and nagging injuries have tempered his production, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering which version of Risacher we are truly seeing.

    Kuminga brings an intensity and physical profile that is rare among Hawks wings. At 6 feet 7 inches with a long wingspan and explosive leaping ability, he can finish in traffic, rebound out of position, and defend multiple spots on the perimeter. These two-way tools made him a highly coveted No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft. His flashes with Golden State hinted at an ascending talent capable of more than just spot contributions.

    Unlike Risacher, who primarily excels in catch-and-shoot opportunities and off-ball movement, Kuminga offers a downhill scoring threat. He attacks closeouts, takes smaller defenders off the bounce, and converts tough mid-range looks. His ability to handle the ball, make reads in transition, and crash the glass gives Atlanta a multi-dimensional wing presence the roster lacks outside of Jalen Johnson. Kuminga also brings positional versatility on defense, being able to switch onto guards or battle bigger forwards, which enhances Atlanta’s switch potential.

    Risacher possesses strengths that Kuminga lacks. As a natural 3-and-D prospect, Risacher’s off-ball movement, catch-and-shoot capabilities, and length make him a quintessential modern wing when clicking on all cylinders. He spaces the floor with efficient perimeter shooting and uses his athleticism to cut and finish without dominating possessions. His defensive instincts are strong, and he has shown the capacity to lock in on opposing wings- a valuable trait in Snyder’s schemes. Additionally, Risacher’s chemistry with the Hawks’ core integrators like Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum, and Dyson Daniels leads to smooth offensive flow, particularly when he knocks down threes and rotates crisply off screens.

    The debate over whether Kuminga should start over Risacher goes beyond box score production. It is about role, timeline, and long-term roster flexibility. Kuminga’s physical tools and aggressive downhill scoring make him an attractive candidate for the starting unit, particularly if Atlanta wants to add more rim pressure and defensive versatility immediately. Risacher, meanwhile, may benefit from a more controlled role that emphasizes floor spacing and defensive assignments without forcing him to carry an expanded offensive load during a shooting slump.

    Kuminga’s contract situation makes the starting job even more interesting. He carries a $24.3 million team option for next season, which essentially turns the remainder of this campaign into a high-stakes evaluation period for the Hawks’ front office. Atlanta can assess his fit within its system, how he complements the existing core, and whether his production translates into consistent winning. If he thrives, the Hawks can confidently exercise that option and secure a versatile two-way forward entering his prime. If the fit proves uneven, the organization retains financial flexibility.

    That financial layer adds weight to the starting conversation. Giving Kuminga first-unit minutes not only tests his ability against top competition, but it also provides a clearer sample size before a significant cap decision this summer. Risacher remains a long-term investment as a No. 1 overall pick, but Kuminga’s option creates urgency. The Hawks must determine whether he is a short-term spark or a foundational piece worth committing $24.3 million to next season.

    Ultimately, the coaching staff and front office must balance immediate competitiveness with strategic planning. Starting Kuminga could accelerate the evaluation process, while potentially raising the team’s defensive ceiling. Keeping Risacher in that role prioritizes development and continuity. Either way, the decision is no longer just basketball. It is also business, and the Hawks have multiple options sitting in front of them.

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    February 18, 2026, 10:56 am