The Golden State Warriors have been inspired by practically each member of the media and pretend commerce outlet to maneuver on from Moses Moody to land a unique sort of participant. The Warriors held agency, and now they’ve a breakout starter on the wing to assist them each now and later.
The sheer quantity of pretend trades involving Moses Moody was spectacular. Together with him in a deal for Paul George (dodged a bullet there) or Lauri Markkanen made sense. Bringing Kevin Durant again to The Bay? Some logic there. Buying and selling for star gamers means giving up good younger gamers; it is a part of the method.
Among the choices have been insane, nonetheless. Previous to the 2024-25 season, a distinguished mock commerce noticed the Warriors buying and selling Moses Moody to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown. Bruce Brown! Who had one good season for the Nuggets and has devolved right into a minimal participant over the previous few seasons. One other commerce by Bleacher Report despatched Moody to the Indiana Pacers for Isaiah Jackson and a few seconds.
This previous summer season, after Moody had a strong fourth season final yr, was not a lot better. One commerce concept that bought actual traction concerned buying and selling Moody to the Brooklyn Nets for Michael Porter Jr. One other packaged him with draft picks for Herb Jones, who’s a greater defender and a a lot worse shooter.
But the Warriors stood agency, and in consequence they’re reaping the rewards as Moody takes yet one more step ahead to be the precise participant this franchise wanted on the wing.
The Warriors are vindicated for holding Moses Moody
Moody has improved throughout the board for the Warriors this season. His minutes are up as he has with out query locked down a rotation spot, and he is part of the beginning lineup that has discovered probably the most success for Steve Kerr so far.
He has elevated his 3-point makes an attempt to six.2 per sport, a strong quantity for a wing, and is hitting 39.2 % of them, each career-high numbers. He’s extra energetic on the glass, is already greater than midway to his block whole from final season, and is working because the connective piece the Warriors want.
He might not be an elite wing defender, however he’s completely strong on that finish of the court docket, a part of the Warriors’ Prime-5 defensive unit. His size and power collectively make him a key piece, particularly in defending opposing level guards for Stephen Curry.
It’s true that Moody has not grasped that small piece of upside that existed when he was drafted to turn out to be a star, however what he has achieved as a substitute is discovered a pathway to turning into a vital position participant and starred in that position. He might not have the 3-point quantity of Klay Thompson, however he is ready to fill lots of the identical position as Klay in a approach that Buddy Hield can not together with his defensive deficiencies.
Might Moody nonetheless be included in a commerce? It’s completely attainable, particularly if somebody like Giannis Antetokounmpo turns into really accessible. On the similar time, nonetheless, he’s the precise type of participant the Warriors would wish to slot in round different stars.
The Dubs might have dumped Moody in a no matter commerce for a no matter participant. They may even have used him as matching wage for a superb participant. In ready, nonetheless, they’ve stored their powder dry and now have a surefire beginning wing on their palms.
It is the final word vindication.
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