San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Moody faces high expectations in Year 2
Warriors are looking for consistency after patient rookie season
Summer-league performances are often meaningless in the grand scheme of the NBA. But when top draft picks struggle, when they’re not showing signs of growth on a smaller stage, it can raise some concern.
Fortunately for second-year guard Moses Moody, his Golden State Warriors coaches were able to rest a little easier after watching him average 27.5 points on 43.8% shooting over two games in Las Vegas. While Moody didn’t play in his team’s full slate because of injury, he still showed enough scoring prowess to reassure many that his development remains on track.
Last season was about patience for Moody, the 14th pick in the 2021 NBA draft. It was about working hard behind the scenes, waiting his turn on a loaded roster and staying ready for any opportunity.
Moody wound up appearing in 52 regular-season games for the Warriors with 11 starts, and averaged 4.4 points in 11.7 minutes a night. Despite limited use, he still delivered some big moments that offered reasons for excitement.
His perfect fourth quarter against the Mavericks on March 3 was nothing short of sensational. His 30-point explosion against the Nuggets just a few days later on March 7 proved that the then-rookie was capable of producing in a big way. When Moody wasn’t with the big club he was dominating in Santa Cruz, averaging 26 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks a night in 10 G League appearances.
The Warriors’ decision to allow Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr. and Damion Lee to walk in free agency had a lot to do with their luxury tax situation, but it was also confirmation that they’re ready to fully embrace their young core. Much will be expected from Moody, 20, in Year 2, and the
Warriors guard Moses Moody’s development appears right on track after an impressive summer league in Las Vegas.
team believes he’ll only get better from here.
Training camp outlook: Although Moody is expected to step into a larger role this season, minutes won’t be simply handed to him. Golden State brought in veteran guard Donte DiVincenzo this offseason, meaning there will be competition for reserve minutes behind Klay Thompson. One thing Moody has going for him is the fact that he’s more experienced in the Warriors’ system compared to DiVincenzo. It’s also conceivable that Moody, 6-foot-6 with a 7-1 wingspan, has enough size and length to steal some minutes at small forward behind Andrew Wiggins.
The Warriors believe Moody can
develop into a player who can impact every aspect of the game. A true statsheet-stuffing, two-way threat. To get there, Moody must continue to develop as a playmaker, an area in which he gained more experience this summer. And the more efficient his 3-point shot becomes, the more he’ll unleash his full offensive arsenal — those crafty drives to the rim and athletic finishes through contact.
Moody shot 36.4% from deep last season, a decent mark for a rookie. In limited action, he also showed that his defensive instincts and off-ball awareness are ahead of the curve, although his on-ball defense still has a ways to go.
The encouraging thing about Moody entering this season is that the tools
are there. There aren’t many aspects of his game, if any, that require a complete overhaul like other young players around the league. For him, it’s about working to refine his skills and proving that he can be productive at both ends of the court in extended minutes.
All reports suggest Moody isn’t content with being an average role player in the NBA, and that desire to be great could translate into a successful sophomore campaign and another step toward being a difference maker for Golden State.