Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors’ impressive youngster has flipped opinion on his future

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Less than three months ago, Moses Moody was on the table as the Golden State Warriors sought an upgrade at the NBA trade deadline. Ultimately, the 20-year-old wasn’t a high commodity and instead, the defending champions found a trade for James Wiseman in bringing back Gary Payton II.

Fast-forward to now and Moody is coming off his most impressive performance of the season given the stakes. It’s not a one-off though — less than three weeks ago he was given an opportunity with the last-minute absence of Klay Thompson in a crucial matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ever since that point, Moody has turned his season around in rather startling fashion.

The current and long-term opinion on Moses Moody has completely shifted after an impressive recent stretch from the Golden State Warriors’ youngster.

With Payton and Draymond Green absent for the must-win Game 3, Moody stepped up to the plate with a playoff-high 13 points in 16 minutes on 4-for-7 shooting. The second-year wing also added three rebounds and contributed in the Warriors holding the NBA’s best offense to less than 100 points.

This isn’t exactly new for Moody — the optimism and expectation heading into this season was largely attributed to the fact he performed well in meaningful minutes in last year’s Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

So, what is it about Moody bringing out his best form in the high-stakes moments late in the season? According to the man himself, it goes well beyond his short two-year career as a professional.

"“Humbly speaking, I’ve always been a winner…I’ve always been in winning situations, playing with a lot to lose, must-win situations, must-win games. I’m not gonna’ act like I’ve got the ultimate poise or anything – I like the moment. I like this situation. High-intensity basketball, every possession means a lot”, Moody said after his Game 3 performance."

While many viewed Moody as an underutilized asset with obvious talent, there was a sense that if the Warriors weren’t going to get something out of him on the floor, then they’d be best served exchanging him for someone who could.

After his recent play, the perspective on Moody has shifted back toward the wide-held one at the start of the season — that he was a lottery pick for a reason, and that he’s a major piece of the Golden State future.

Next. Golden State Warriors likely to receive extra boost for Game 4 v Kings. dark

With Green and Payton back in the fold for Game 4, Moody’s minutes for the remainder of the playoffs may be scattered and inconsistent. That’s not to say he doesn’t deserve a re-evaluation on his future potential though, and if called upon by Steve Kerr, there’s a trust factor there that’s rare for a second-year player.

Home/Warriors News