In the upcoming new season, Warriors head coach Kerr's plans for team adjustments and player use are gradually emerging. Especially when it comes to the development and use of young players, Kerr specifically mentioned Kuminga and Moody, two highly anticipated young cores. The two were also drafted by the Warriors in the 2021 draft, but after two seasons of grinding, their development trajectories seem to be going in different directions.
Kuminga has been one of the Warriors' core plans for the future.
In Kerr's latest interview, regarding Kuminga's use, he revealed that there may be more flexible arrangements for Kuminga in the new season. In particular, the role of the number three position, Kerr said that the decision will depend mainly on whether the team's interior players have enough projection ability. In other words, if the interior player can open up enough space for Kuminga, he can play with his impact and athleticism at the No. 3 position.
Kuminga is an explosive player whose physicality and impact give him a lot of potential in terms of defense and breakouts. However, Kuminga's outside shooting ability still needs to be improved, which is one of the reasons why Kerr has reservations about his use of the No. 3 position. After all, the Warriors' system has always revolved around shooting and space pulling, and if Kuminga can be more comfortable on offense when space is opened, he could be a regular on the Warriors' forward line in the future.
In addition to Kuminga, Kerr also singled out two role players: Kyle Lee and Payton Jr.
In Kerr's planning, the two players will have important tasks in the new season. Lee Kyle brings significant depth to the Warriors with his all-around defensive ability and game IQ, while Payton Jr. was hampered by injuries last season and failed to reach his full potential. However, Kerr is confident in his recovery and future performances. Kerr noted that if Payton Jr. can stay healthy, his defensive intensity and on-court energy will be an integral part of the Warriors' backcourt.
When talking about the team's rotation lineup, Kerr also revealed his initial vision for the new season. According to Kerr's plan, the Warriors will use an 11-man rotation for the regular season, which could be reduced to 10 in key games. The build-up of this rotation has also made Moody's situation even more difficult.
Based on the current roster structure, the Warriors' starting five are likely to be Curry, Podzemski, Wiggins, Green and Jackson Davis. The bench consisted of Kuminga, Melton, Hield, Lee Kyle, Payton Jr. and Wayne Looney. The 11 already include the Warriors' main rotation, with Moody's name not appearing on the roster.
In fact, Moody's chances with the Warriors are dwindling. While he was also one of the young players the Warriors had high hopes for, the reality is that Moody hasn't lived up to expectations over the past two seasons, especially on the offensive end. The Warriors' system is extremely demanding on the projection ability of players, and Moody's lack of this area makes it difficult for him to get more playing time.
Compounding Moody's situation is the meteoric rise of Warriors rookie Podzemski. As a young player drafted in 2023, Podzemski quickly earned Kerr's trust with his excellent shooting and basketball IQ. Last season, many fans thought Klay · Thompson's departure would give Moody more opportunities, but the presence of Podzemski made that impossible.
Kerr's affection and trust in Podemski also suggests that Moody's prospects with the Warriors have become extremely slim. Moody's playing time has been further reduced since Podzemski's arrival, and he is likely to be unable to make the regular rotation for the new season.
In the face of such fierce competition, Moody's future is worrying. The 2024-25 season is Moody's contract year, and if he doesn't have a consistent chance to play and perform in the new season, then there's a good chance he'll leave the Warriors at the end of the season. Leaving the Warriors may not be a bad thing for Moody. At the Warriors, he's struggled to get enough opportunities to prove himself. And a change team, especially one that is rebuilding or needs young players, may be able to provide more platforms for Moody's to showcase.
Many Warriors fans have come to believe that Moody's departure from the Warriors is the best option for his career. After all, in Golden State, he has been marginalized, and even the departure of Klay · Thompson has failed to bring him more opportunities. The Warriors are a championship-focused team with a lot of roster depth and player demand, and Moody doesn't seem to have found his place in the Warriors' system.
Overall, Kuminga and Moody, two young players drafted in the same year, are heading for very different career paths. Kuminga has grown into a core player in the Warriors' system, while Moody may have been marginalized. It will take time to tell what the future holds, but for Moody, leaving the Warriors could be a fresh start.