Following the trade deadline that ended Jonathan Kuminga’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green shared candid insights about his former teammate’s experience. On a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, Green discussed the challenges Kuminga faced during his time in the Bay Area, highlighting the unique situation a high draft pick encountered on a championship-caliber team.
Green explained that typically, a player picked seventh in the NBA draft is expected to receive ample opportunities to develop by taking risks on the court.
“When you’re the seventh pick in the NBA draft, you usually go to a place where they’re going to give you the ball,”
Green said.
“They’re going to allow you to make a ton of mistakes, and you grow through those mistakes in hopes that you become a key, cornerstone, franchise piece to the rebuild of the team that drafted you with the seventh pick.”
However, because Kuminga joined a Warriors roster that secured a championship in his rookie year, carving out consistent playing time proved difficult. Despite this hurdle, Green praised Kuminga’s maturity throughout his four and a half seasons in Golden State.
“I appreciate the way he handled it, the maturity he showed in handling the situation the entire time, even when the writing was on the wall and everybody in the world kind of knew a trade was going to happen,”
Green remarked.
Kuminga has yet to debut for the Atlanta Hawks due to a lingering left knee injury, with his status to be reassessed following the NBA All-Star break, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Green’s Views on Kristaps Porzingis Joining the Warriors
The trade that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta brought Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State, a move that sparked mixed reactions among fans who had hoped the Warriors might pursue a high-profile target like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Contrary to some opinions, Draymond Green sees Porzingis as a valuable addition, particularly on defense.
Green expressed enthusiasm about sharing rim-protection duties, noting that Porzingis’ presence allows him more freedom on defense.
“For me, personally, I love when there’s another rim protector on the floor because then I could, stuff that I see, I can act on it,”
Green said.
“When I’m the only rim protector, stuff that I see and may want to act on, you can’t do that ’cause you just leave the rim.”
Porzingis has appeared in only 17 games this season due to health issues and injuries but is expected to be cleared to play after the All-Star break.
Buddy Hield’s Role and Influence in Golden State
Though Buddy Hield’s name was often overshadowed in the trade coverage, his brief period with the Warriors left a strong impression, particularly one forged by his friendship with Jimmy Butler. Draymond Green highlighted Hield’s consistent professionalism and positive attitude during his time with the team.
Green emphasized Hield’s reliable demeanor, stating,
“No matter if he was playing, starting, coming off the bench or getting DNPs, attitude the same. No matter if it’s rain, snowing, sun shining or just a normal spring day, attitude the exact same. And when you get guys like that in your organization, they leave marks. And Buddy Hield left a mark.”
Green also mentioned that Hield ranked among his favorite teammates despite the limited tenure and acknowledged that Hield was included in the Porzingis trade primarily to balance salaries.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga, who sustained a left knee bone bruise while playing for the Golden State Warriors against the Dallas Mavericks on January 22, will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 7, 2026
