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Steve Kerr confident as young Golden State Warriors duo prepare for ‘big moment’

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) /
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Steve Kerr says he has confidence in Golden State Warriors’ youngsters Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, with the 2021 lottery picks each preparing for what the head coach describes as a ‘big moment’ in their careers.

Kuminga and Moody are each preparing for their third season in the league, both hoping to solidify their spot in the Warrior rotation after tumultuous but optimistic seasons in 2022-23.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he has confidence in Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody heading into their third NBA season.

Speaking after day one of training camp on Tuesday, Kerr was asked about the young duo and how they could contribute to a team that’s got considerably older this offseason.

"“Year three is always a big moment in everybody’s career. You get a couple years under your belt and really it’s time to take that next step. Both guys have been working like crazy all summer and I have plenty of confidence in both of them.”, Kerr said."

Chris Chiozza and Jonathan Kuminga pick up Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 18, 2021. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Chris Chiozza and Jonathan Kuminga pick up Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 18, 2021. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

The proof will ultimately be in the pudding after Kerr showed a lack of confidence in both players at different points of last season. Most notably many were frustrated when Kuminga was left out of the rotation during Golden State’s two playoff series against the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers.

The former seventh overall pick had averaged nearly 21 minutes per game in the regular season, overcoming a slow start to play a key role in the Warriors securing the sixth-seed in the Western Conference.

Fortunes were almost reversed for Moody who often spent time out of Kerr’s rotation during the regular season. The former 14th overall pick would average just 13 minutes per game, even spending time in the G League during early March for some much-needed playing time.

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Yet the 21-year-old began making an impact towards the end of the season, before playing meaningful minutes for the Warriors in their second-round series against the Lakers. It sets up and exciting season for Moody, with both he and Kuminga set for more defined roles under Kerr this season.

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