Golden State Warriors: 3 Trends that have emerged recently

The rookie leash is tightening as Klay Thompson nears his return

The incoming rookies were always going to be on a tight leash this season. Yet, the constriction is gradually increasing as the Golden State Warriors lean all into winning again.

Steve Kerr said it himself, he is miserable when he is losing — and he could not be happier to be back in the title hunt. Part of the Warriors’ pursuit of another championship comes with the reality that Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody will have to accept small roles.

Like, really small roles.

Kuminga and Moody both had brief opportunities to shine early in the season. To which they mostly looked fine. A few athletic feats from Kuminga turned into highlights while Moody showed he has the makings of a glue-guy that can thrive in the second unit for years to come.

But, it is just not the time for these rookies… yet.

Klay Thompson was recently cleared for a full return to practice and since then, the rookies have played extremely limited minutes. While the two trends are not directly related, it is obvious Kuminga, Moody and everyone else will be bumped down another notch once the Splash Brother reclaims his spot in the rotation.