The Golden State Warriors are entering a new chapter on the wing - and Moses Moody is right at the center of it.
With Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga now suiting up for the Atlanta Hawks, and Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season with a torn ACL, Golden State’s wing rotation has been thinned out in a big way. That leaves Moody as the last man standing - and the Warriors are signaling loud and clear: they believe in him.
Now, Moody’s not exactly new to the scene. He’s been logging around 25 minutes per game this season and averaging 11.1 points - both career highs.
But in the wake of this week’s trade activity, his role has shifted from “promising rotation piece” to “primary wing option.” That’s a big leap, and the Warriors seem ready to see if he can handle it.
His first game in that new role? A mixed bag.
Moody finished with just six points, but he pulled down eight rebounds and made a game-sealing defensive stop on Dillon Brooks - a play that helped the Warriors secure a dramatic win. It wasn’t flashy, but it was gritty - and it showed the kind of two-way potential the team is banking on.
Golden State’s trade deadline decisions - or lack thereof - speak volumes. There were other wings reportedly available, and the front office could’ve made a move to bring in reinforcements.
They didn’t. Whether that was by choice or circumstance, the result is the same: Moody’s going to be asked to carry a heavier load.
And to be fair, he’s already shown signs he can handle it. Moody is shooting over 40% from beyond the arc this season, and that kind of efficiency is exactly what the Warriors need, especially with more touches likely coming his way. He doesn’t do much damage from the midrange, but if he can maintain a high clip from three - even if it dips slightly with more volume - that’s a win.
This is the first year of a three-year deal for Moody, and how he performs in this expanded role could go a long way in determining whether he’s a long-term piece in Golden State’s plans. The tools are there: size, shooting, defensive instincts. The opportunity is now.
The Warriors are clearly betting on internal growth over external fixes. And with the wing rotation in flux, all eyes are on Moody to step up and prove that belief was well placed.