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The 8 Worst Golden State Warriors roster decisions of the last decade

By Sam LaFrance

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts with Jordan Poole #3 during the third quarter in game seven of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on April 30, 2023 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts with Jordan Poole #3 during the third quarter in game seven of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on April 30, 2023 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Kuminga Moses Moody Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga Moses Moody Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

6. Golden State Warriors keep and use picks No. 7 and No. 14 in 2021 NBA Draft

The 2021 NBA Draft was a strange spot for the Golden State Warriors. They held two lottery picks, which wound up at No. 7 and No. 14, and used them to select Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody — who are both still on the roster two years later.

Though the Dubs still have both prospects, it’s tough not to wonder if they could’ve landed yet another star-level player by trading the picks. At the time, names like Damian Lillard, Pascal Siakam, and Ben Simmons were all floated as potential prizes in exchange for the draft capital.

After such a short period of time, it’s tough to judge if it was truly a mistake to keep the picks add two young prospects to the roster. However, neither has been able to carve out a sizeable role in head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation just yet.

Kuminga has seen the most playing time of the two, most notably when Andrew Wiggins took time away from the team last season. Once Wiggins was back in the playoffs, the 20-year-old’s role diminished, sparking rumors and reports that he’d seek a trade this summer.

In 137 career appearances for the Dubs, the young forward has averaged just 18.8 minutes each time. He’s put up decent statistics in limited minutes, pouring in about 9.6 points per game on 51.9% shooting.

As for Moody, he’s seen even less run than his draft classmate, appearing in 113 contests for the Warriors and only playing about 12.4 minutes each time. His numbers have reflected the lack of minutes, as he’s averaged just 4.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game over the two seasons.

In defense of the front office, the decision not to package the picks in a trade didn’t hurt the team. They went on to win the 2022 NBA Championship in the duo’s rookie season. However, the real question mark with this move comes down the line. It’s usually not easy for talented young players to fit in with a veteran core like Golden State’s. Again, the challenge has already seen Kuminga grow frustrated in his smaller role. Will the Dubs regret not bringing in more talent to even further boost the team’s chances of getting Curry and the gang one last title.

Do Moody and Kuminga have futures with the Warriors?

Only time will tell.

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