Impressive displays from third-year players Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody was arguably the biggest positive from the Golden State Warriors’ opening preseason victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kuminga, in particular, was the story of the game with his 24 points in as many minutes leading the Warriors offensively. The 21-year-old also added eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks in an exciting two-way performance.
Which Golden State Warriors players could feel the pressure or be impacted by the growth in Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody?
Moody was decisive and aggressive in just over 24 minutes, recording 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. After seeing meaningful playing time during last season’s playoffs, the former lottery pick’s development was further on display against the Lakers.
Golden State fans have spent a large part of the offseason hoping Kuminga and Moody would take a major leap entering their third year. While there’s a long way to go and one preseason game means very little in the grand scheme of things, Saturday night’s game was an incredibly positive start in further fulfilling their talent.

The first order of business for the young duo will be earning a consistent role in Steve Kerr’s rotation. Both players went through their lack of opportunities last season, with Kuminga’s axing from the playoff rotation leading to speculation regarding his future.
However, each player holds the talent to grow into more significant roles within the team. That in itself could prove critical, with the pair seen as the x-factors in an otherwise experienced and veteran squad.
If Kuminga and/or Moody do start to grow into more notable roles, that could put pressure on other players in the rotation. At a minimum, more minutes for the pair have to come from somewhere else.
Let’s have a look at three players who could feel pressure or be impacted by the expected growth from Kuminga and Moody: