Kerr's tactics in the playoffs have been questioned, and many have attributed the Warriors to being passive in the series. However, Kerr's intention is not only because of the current urgent situation of the Warriors, but also because of the future development of the Warriors. Especially in the playoffs, the use of young Moody is an early adjustment made by Kerr for the Warriors' future backcourt rotation.
As a sophomore, Moody has shown his good fortune from his rookie season. Being selected by the Warriors with the 14th pick in the first round was thought to be a good development, and after following the Warriors to the playoffs, Moody entered the core rotation of the Warriors and eventually won the championship with the Warriors. After that, Moody's became the fourth youngest player in NBA history to win a championship.
This season, Moody's playing time has increased, and he has high hopes from Cole. Although Moody doesn't score much on the offensive end, his three-point shooting is still a point that the Warriors value very much. After Curry and Thompson controlled most three-point shots, the Warriors still need to ensure the three-point fire supply during rotation time. Moody had shot six three-pointers in a single game as early as his rookie season, second only to Curry in his rookie season.
After entering the playoffs, Kerr increased Moody's playing time while reducing Kuminga's appearance, and even put Kuminga on the bench for many games. The reason for this adjustment is firstly because Kerr wants to increase the team's defensive counterattack speed, and secondly, because the Warriors now have too many forward rotation players, and if Kuminga's playing time is increased, then the Warriors' tactical rotation will be problematic.
In addition, although Moody and Kuminga are both second-year players, Moody is more suitable for the team's tactical fit. Now that the Warriors have Poole's first bench scorer, the most important thing the Warriors need to ensure is offensive consistency. Moody doesn't average many shots per game, but has a good sense of the timing of his shots, especially with Curry and Thompson, Moody is more appropriate.
Kerr's choice now is also to find the first backup point guard for the Warriors. Since Livingston's retirement, the Warriors have not had the right person for Curry's bench. Although DiVincenzo played the role of first backup point guard in the regular season, in addition to his defensive ability, DiVincenzo's offensive stability is not high. The Warriors need to find a guard who can both pass and shoot, and Moody is the right fit.
Being able to gain a foothold in Kerr's tactical rotation shows that Moody's ability has met Kerr's needs, and also proves Moody's tactical significance to the Warriors today. If Moody can continue to contribute to the Warriors, he will become the Warriors' first backup point guard in the near future and a good helper behind Curry.