Days into the 2026-27 season, the Timberwolves got news that no NBA team ever wants to hear: their superstar will be missing an extensive period of time.
Anthony Edwards is expected to be sidelined for a few months after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, meaning Minnesota will be playing a chunk of the regular season without its 25-year-old star scorer.
Particularly offensively, Edwards’ absence means a lot of Timberwolves players will have a void to fill. But for one in particular, Jonathan Kuminga, it could be an opportunity to break out on a level he hasn’t often had the chance to reach in the NBA.
Here’s why Edwards’ absence could open the door for Kuminga to break out.
Why Anthony Edwards’ injury could have silver lining for Jonathan Kuminga
Edwards has averaged over 25 points per game in each of the last three NBA seasons, and he was off to a hot start through four games, averaging 33.3 points. His defense is valuable for Minnesota, but Edwards’ shot creation and ability to get a bucket will be missed most in the weeks to come.
More offensive output will be put on the shoulders of Ayo Dosunmu, who has moved into the starting lineup, as well as LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Terrence Shannon Jr. But Kuminga may be the most intriguing Timberwolves player to monitor during Edwards’ absence.
Jonathan Kuminga on-ball defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo https://t.co/HZ7aGSYEQ2
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) October 22, 2026
When the Warriors drafted Kuminga No. 7 overall in 2021, they envisioned an athletic finisher and capable shooter being paired with Stephen Curry in his older years. On occasion over five seasons, Kuminga did flash that ability — in 2023-24, he averaged 16.1 points per game over 74 games, shooting an efficient 52.9% from the floor while becoming a solid defender.
But after 2024, Kuminga fell out of favor in Steve Kerr’s rotation. He never became a starter in Golden State, watching as players like Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton and Moses Moody surpassed him in the rotation, while the Jimmy Butler acquisition also halted his development a bit.
A change of scenery was needed, and Kuminga spent the second half of the 2025-26 season in Atlanta, averaging 12.3 points in 23.1 minutes per game off the bench. Clearly, the forward’s potential was still there, seeking the right fit in the NBA.
In Minnesota, Kuminga found a starting opportunity on a team loaded with athletic wings, able to play to his strengths. With Ball and Edwards, though, he wasn’t going to be asked to handle the ball or score much. That will likely change in the wake of Edwards’ injury.
Against the Spurs on Saturday, Kuminga played 40 minutes, his most so far this season, while scoring 19 points with six rebounds. As an athletic finisher, he’s going to be leaned on far more without Edwards — and if it works out, it could wind up being a long-awaited opportunity for Kuminga to showcase his talents on a nightly basis.
JONATHAN KUMINGA WITH THE TWO-HANDED POSTER OVER WEMBY! 😱💥 #NBAHighlights #NBALeaguePass https://t.co/hCnSUwW7bg
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) November 1, 2026
He’s been a solid 3-point shooter so far, with a 43.3% mark through seven games. Particularly in moments with Ball off the floor, it would not be surprising to see Kuminga handle the ball a bit more over the coming weeks without Edwards.
Whether he steps up or not, Edwards’ injury represents an opportunity for Kuminga. He hasn’t had a ton of those chances to prove himself in the last few years, but in Minnesota, he could still show why he was considered a top player in his draft class.
