Jonathan Kuminga nears Hawks debut as Atlanta looks for spark

The Hawks are getting closer to seeing what Jonathan Kuminga can give them.

Kuminga has been upgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s game against Washington, and according to Anthony Slater of ESPN, the expectation around the league is that the 23-year-old will make his Hawks debut against the Wizards. Brad Rowland of Locked on Hawks first reported the status change.

Kuminga hasn’t played since January 22, when he hyperextended his left knee and suffered a bone bruise. Atlanta acquired him, along with Buddy Hield, ahead of the trade deadline in the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State.

The timing matters. Kuminga’s next few weeks are effectively an audition.

The former seventh overall pick signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract last offseason following a lengthy restricted free-agency standoff with the Warriors.

The deal includes a $24.3 million team option for next season, meaning Kuminga could become an unrestricted free agent this summer if Atlanta declines it.

Through 20 games this season, he averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 23.8 minutes, shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three. The numbers were fine. The fit was inconsistent.

Atlanta, currently 28-31 and sitting ninth in the East, recently shook up its starting lineup and is once again tracking toward the play-in tournament.

That’s familiar territory. What’s new is the chance to evaluate Kuminga in real minutes, with real stakes.