Golden State Warriors’ forward Jonathan Kuminga is going to replace Indiana Pacers’ guard Chris Duarte in the NBA Rising Stars Game, per the NBA.
Duarte suffered a left toe injury on February 13th in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves – and has been ruled out through the all-star break.
Kuminga, 19, was selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Duarte, 24, was selected thirteenth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.
This season, Kuminga is averaging 7.9 points and 2.8 rebounds on 50%/31%/66% shooting splits.
Meanwhile, Duarte is averaging 13.4 points and 4.1 rebounds on 44%/36%/79% shooting splits.
Kuminga has played well in limited minutes for the 42-16 Warriors.
Likewise, Duarte has been a solid contributor, albeit in a more featured role for the 19-40 Pacers.
It was a bit conspicuous that Kuminga wasn’t selected among the initial crop of Rising Stars – but all’s well that ends well.
The Rising Stars Game is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 18th at 9 PM EST.