Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Can rookies survive in NBA Playoffs?

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball up court in the fourth quarter against Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball up court in the fourth quarter against Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors did not necessarily plan on their rookies playing crucial minutes in the NBA Playoffs but they might have earned the chance to prove themselves on basketball’s biggest stage.

The question is, can rookies survive in the postseason?

Will rookies Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody be able to rise to the occasion during the Golden State Warriors’ playoff run?

We typically do not see rookie players compete at a high-level in the NBA Playoffs. That’s because most lottery picks don’t end up on playoff teams — and they certainly don’t suit up for title contenders every year.

But, as I’m sure you know, the Warriors are in a unique situation.

Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody might be lottery picks but they also happen to play on a team with three superstar caliber talents. With the Warriors in a position to compete for a title, Kuminga and Moody have a chance to gain some early playoff experience.

Why would the Warriors give valuable minutes to such young players? Well, up to this point, they’ve earned it.

Both rookies are playing their best basketball of the season and can provide production on both ends of the floor that is comparable, or better, than other role players on the roster. For this reason, Moody and Kuminga are likely to get some burn in the postseason.

Rookies of the past

What is the precedent for stuff like this? The most notable example is rookie Magic Johnson leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship and capturing Finals MVP. But, Magic was no ordinary rookie.

Other success stories include Tim Duncan, who averaged 20.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in his first playoff stint. More recently, Jayson Tatum posted 18.5 points per game as the 20-year-old led the Boston Celtics through a run where they finished one game shy of the NBA Finals.

No one should be expecting Kuminga or Moody to match the success of any of these players but it is important to show that it is possible for rookies to have an impact in the playoffs. While their usage will be limited, I’m sure, Moody and Kuminga can leave their mark on the Warriors’ upcoming run.

Next. 3 Opponents who could decimate Warriors' frontcourt. dark

Home/Warriors News