sportingnews
The Minnesota Timberwolves received a harsh blow early in the 2026-27 season when they learned that their superstar, Anthony Edwards, would be sidelined for an extended period. Edwards is expected to miss several months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, leaving the team without its 25-year-old scoring leader for a substantial portion of the regular season.
Edwards' absence creates a significant void, particularly on the offensive end, where he has averaged over 25 points per game in each of the last three seasons. Through four games this year, he was off to a blistering start, putting up 33.3 points per contest. While his defensive contributions are also valuable, it's his shot creation and ability to generate offense that will be most sorely missed.
In the wake of Edwards' injury, more offensive responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Ayo Dosunmu, who has moved into the starting lineup, as well as LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, and Terrence Shannon Jr. However, the most intriguing player to watch during this stretch might be Jonathan Kuminga.
When the Golden State Warriors selected Kuminga with the No. 7 overall pick in 2021, they envisioned an athletic finisher and capable shooter who could eventually complement Stephen Curry in his later years. Over five seasons, Kuminga did show flashes of that potential—in 2023-24, he averaged 16.1 points per game across 74 appearances, shooting an efficient 52.9% from the field while developing into a solid defender. But after 2024, he fell out of favor in Steve Kerr's rotation and never became a starter in Golden State, watching as players like Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Moses Moody surpassed him. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler also hindered his development.
A change of scenery was needed, and Kuminga spent the second half of the 2025-26 season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 12.3 points in 23.1 minutes per game off the bench. Clearly, his potential remained, but he was still searching for the right fit in the NBA.
In Minnesota, Kuminga found a starting opportunity on a team loaded with athletic wings, allowing him to play to his strengths. However, with Ball and Edwards on the roster, he wasn't asked to handle the ball or score much. That is likely to change with Edwards out.
In Saturday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, Kuminga played a season-high 40 minutes, scoring 19 points and grabbing six rebounds. As an athletic finisher, he will be relied upon far more heavily without Edwards, and if he delivers, it could be the long-awaited chance for Kuminga to showcase his talents on a nightly basis. He has also been a solid 3-point shooter so far, hitting 43.3% through seven games. Particularly when Ball is off the floor, it wouldn't be surprising to see Kuminga handle the ball more over the coming weeks.
Whether he steps up or not, Edwards' injury represents a golden opportunity for Kuminga. He hasn't had many chances to prove himself in recent years, but in Minnesota, he could still demonstrate why he was considered a top player in his draft class.
Key Analysis
Edwards' absence forces the Timberwolves to redistribute offensive responsibilities, and Kuminga's athleticism and scoring ability make him a prime candidate to absorb some of that load. With increased minutes and touches, Kuminga has a chance to prove he can be a consistent contributor. If he capitalizes on this opportunity, it could reshape his career trajectory and provide Minnesota with a valuable asset for the future.
Originally reported by sportingnews.