Jonathan Kuminga to replace Chris Duarte in Rising Stars game
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga will reportedly replace Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte in the NBA Rising Stars game, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Duarte suffered a left big toe injury on Sunday in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Duarte would miss the final two games before the All-Star break as he has now been reportedly ruled out of playing in the annual showcase game.
The 13th pick was among 12 rookie players selected to participate in the Rising Stars game after averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He became the ninth player in team history to be selected to compete in the game and the first since Domantas Sabonis in 2018.
Kuminga is averaging 7.9 points and 2.8 rebounds on 50.4% shooting from the field in 46 appearances. He is in the midst of his best stretch of the season, averaging 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists over his last seven games, including three starts.
The seventh pick was viewed as perhaps the top snub from the Rising Stars game. Warriors teammate Klay Thompson even called it a travesty that Kuminga was left out of the festivities given the impact he has made this season.
With Duarte now injured, Kuminga will have the opportunity to participate in the exhibition game on Friday. He will be on Team Gary Payton, along with LaMelo Ball and Scottie Barnes among others.
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