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3 Golden State Warriors who could feel the pressure of expected Kuminga/Moody growth

By Peter O'Keefe

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jonathan Kuminga #00 after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jonathan Kuminga #00 after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors talks with the media during a press conference after the 104-94 win against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors talks with the media during a press conference after the 104-94 win against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II may have been behind Kuminga and Moody regardless, but the 30-year-old might be the teammate most impacted by the rise of the young duo. His importance is often understated at the Warriors, with Payton having finished last season in the starting lineup during Golden State’s second-round playoff exit against the Lakers.

However, the defensive menace could become a situational player for Steve Kerr more so than someone who is guaranteed 15+ minutes per game. Payton remains one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, yet teams are happy to disrespect his jumpshot on the offensive end despite shooting 50% from three in his injury-interrupted 2022-23 season.

Moody provides a little more size and far greater three-point shooting, potentially pushing him above Payton in the rotation as a result. That may certainly arise in lineups that include non-shooting threats like Draymond Green or Kevon Looney.

Payton played alongside Kuminga and Moody in the Warrior second-unit on Saturday against the Lakers, something that will undoubtedly continue as the season progresses. He was his usual energetic self, looking active and athletic after a season impacted by a persistent core injury.

Kerr knows what he’s going to get from Payton on a nightly basis — someone he can throw at the opposition’s best perimeter player, someone who’ll run the floor and be a threat in transition, and someone who’ll do the dirty work in diving on loose balls etc. He’ll undoubtedly still play a big impact in the Warrior season, yet for the good of the team Kuminga and Moody probably need to go past him.

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