The Golden State Warriors have committed to Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody as prospects of the future. Who should these two be looking to model their games after?
With Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, let’s look at a few player comps for the incoming rookies to mold their games after.
While Kuminga and Moody can be compared to multiple different players across the league, we will keep a Warriors’ theme here and look to former Dubs for models. Specifically, we will analyze how these two can follow in the footsteps of previous dynasty members and contribute to the next generation of championship runs.
Jonathan Kuminga must model Andre Iguodala
The Andre Iguodala mold is one that has been bestowed upon quite a few players since he was traded in 2019. Some hoped Andrew Wiggins or Kelly Oubre Jr. would fulfill the former Finals MVP’s previous role but now, Jonathan Kuminga is primed to take the mantle.
Kuminga has a height advantage over Iggy but both sport the same 6’11” wingspan. Their incredible length, matched with muscular frames and supreme athleticism draws obvious similarities between the two.
What’s more, Kuminga will enter the NBA as a limited 3-point shooter, just as Iggy did. Kuminga shot below 25 percent from deep in the G-League but displayed a fluid mid-range shot that could help him extend his range one day.
Above all else, Kuminga’s physical build and ball-handling capabilities make him a candidate to replace what Iggy brought to the Warriors’ bench. Acting as a spry slasher who can knife to the hoop and kick out to open 3-point shooters would be a fantastic fit for Kuminga.
The final and most important piece to the puzzle is becoming the versatile defender that Iguodala was. Kuminga has all of the raw skills to do so. Mastering the details of the game and becoming a jack-of-all-trades is the easiest path towards success for the incoming rookie.
Moses Moody must model Shaun Livingston
A comparison to Shaun Livingston might seem underwhelming for an incoming lottery pick. That is no disrespect to Livingston, who was an electric prospect with the LA Clippers and a key role player for years in Golden State — but Moody should be shooting to become an even more impactful asset. Anyone who watched Livingston understands that is no easy feat.
Moody is a similar height and stature to Livingston. Both are tall guards with ridiculously long arms (Moody has a 7’1″ wingspan!) and can impact the game offensively and defensively.
Where Moody enters the league as a stronger shooter than Livingston ever was — Livingston holds the clear advantage in playmaking. Finding a way to polish his skills as a passer and take further steps to become an elite 3-point shooter will be key for Moody’s development.
Overall, Moody will find himself playing a similar role to that of Livingston as a backup guard. This means he should prioritize ways to impact the game in short bursts of playing time. He can do this by being the tenacious defender and offensive threat that Livingston used to be.
Of course, Moody won’t be an exact copy of Livingston. He has the benefit of using his shooting to open the floor for everyone else. It will take time but Moody can blossom into a high-impact bench player if he studies Livingston’s tape.