Golden State Warriors face 3 major roadblocks entering season

Rookies need to gel quickly with Golden State Warriors

Aside from health, how quickly the rookies perform will be the biggest determining factor in how successful the Golden State Warriors are this season.

Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, two incoming lottery picks, will both play significant roles in their first NBA seasons. Their contributions can make or break the Warriors’ chances of reaching the playoffs.

Moody will have the greatest chance of being an instant producer. He’s a natural shooter who has found no trouble spacing the floor in the past. He can be used as an off-ball threat and gradually take on more ball-handling responsibilities as the season progresses.

The Dubs can also ask for Moody to use his physical gifts defensively. His freakish wingspan will make him a pest in passing lanes. However, there is a learning curve that Moody will have to excel in if he wants to be a trustworthy defender as soon as possible.

Kuminga, on the other hand, is a bit more of a work in progress. He’s underdeveloped as a shooter, ball-handler and passer. His strengths as a slasher will allow him to shine in transition and on drives to the hoop but his overall impact could be limited.

Where Kuminga will have to find his niche is on defense. He’s too versatile of an athlete to not become an elite defender one day. It is crucial he adapts to the NBA level rapidly and learns how to use his massive frame to model the likes of Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green.

There are no realistic scenarios in which both Kuminga and Moody hit the ground running and never look back. These two are going to struggle at points and that is not an issue. But, limiting the growing pains and keeping them on a track to success will be a decisive factor for the Warriors’ playoff hopes.