Jonathan Kuminga shows out in Warriors return

It took a season-ending injury to Jimmy Butler for Jonathan Kuminga to get back on the floor for the Golden State Warriors. His 20-point performance in the team's 145-127 loss to the Toronto Raptors showed he may have an NBA future after all.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr held Kuminga out of the team's last 16 games, but the 23-year-old forward looked no worse for the time off. Five days ago, Kuminga demanded a trade, but after Butler tore his ACL Monday night, he may indeed have a future with the team he's been trying to leave since the summer.

Jonathan Kuminga showed the scoring chops that make him an intriguing prospect

Kuminga and the Warriors remained at an impasse for most of his restricted free agency period this summer, with the young player and his agent lobbying for trades and the team unable or unwilling to find a suitable deal. While Kuminga started the season in the starting lineup, he lost his starting role after 12 games and after a knee injury, lost his rotation spot entirely.

Kerr has repeatedly expressed his doubt that Kuminga can fit alongside Butler and Draymond Green, as all three struggle as outside shooters. But with Butler out for the season, there's a clear opening at the power forward position for the Warriors, who have a roster with seven different shooting guards and precious little size.

They also don't have a single player who can attack the rim and dunk like Kuminga can.