Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody’s wingspan can help him immediately produce

The Golden State Warriors selected two forwards in the 2021 NBA Draft. With their first pick in the first round, they snagged G-League Ignite small forward Jonathan Kuminga, who most felt slid in the draft due to his inefficiency and decision-making issues.

The other forward, who is more like a shooting guard than a power forward, is Arkansas’ Moses Moody. Moody was a solid scorer at Arkansas, but it’s his wingspan that really separates him from the pack.

If the Golden State Warriors need defense on their offensive-minded second unit, it could be Arkansas rookie Moses Moody they turn to.

Moody was taken with the 14th overall pick, and it feels like he also fell in the draft. As a freshman, during his only collegiate season, Moody averaged 16.8 points per game, shooting 43 percent from the field.

He was also a capable three-point shooter, averaging 1.8 threes per game on 36 percent from deep. Moody has elite size which is one reason he could immediately contribute. He stands 6-foot-6.

While that isn’t the most impressive stature, when you consider his 7-foot-1 wingspan, it becomes clear how he could be disruptive defensively. Moody, after a stellar Las Vegas Summer League, reminded some of Kawhi Leonard, who has a 7-foot-3 wingspan.

That’s exactly what Golden State will need as well.

Damion Lee and Mychal Mulder are both undersized, shoot-first guards. Jordan Poole is a similar story as he’s set to be the team’s backup point guard. If those three are the main threats off the bench, Moody should get some run to support the team defensively.

Lee, Mulder, and Poole all stand under Moody’s 6-foot-6 and none come even close in terms of wingspan. Moody is a less experienced professional, but he has size which is something that trio can’t just fall into.

While it’s unlikely, there’s no denying Moody may also fit well with the starting unit.

The rookie didn’t have the best instincts when it came to stealing the ball or blocking shots, but he was disruptive at Arkansas. Moody’s net rating at Arkansas was over 20 with his defensive rating being under 100.

It’s clear while watching his highlights that Moody gets many of his shots off, especially at the collegiate level, because he can elevate over defenders. Not the tallest, it’s due to his wingspan, and that’s what should quickly set him apart at the professional level.