While James Wiseman’s anticipated return to Summer League action will be the Warriors’ biggest storyline in Sin City the next 10 days, this is also a nice development opportunity for second-year players Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
Last year’s lottery picks – Kuminga went No. 7 overall and Moody went No. 14 overall – are set to help out the Summer League Dubs in Las Vegas. It could mark the first time we see Wiseman, Moody and Kuminga on the floor together in game action.
Golden State assistant coach and Summer League head coach Jama Mahlalela joined 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” Thursday with Mark Willard and Larry Krueger, who is filling in for Dan Dibley. Mahlalela discussed the areas where the Warriors would like to see Kuminga and Moody improve. Listen to the full interview above.
“We're sort of ready to unleash (Kuminga) in Summer League," Mahlalela said. "For JK, specifically, he is one who needs to continue to develop his shooting. As his catch-and-shoot ability continues to increase, which it did during the course of this season, that really makes him a weapon. Because we already know he can get downhill with the best of them. I think the shooting opens that up for him.”
The Warriors will play the New York Knicks on Friday at 5 p.m. PT in the Summer League opener. You can tune into 95.7 The Game to hear Warriors play the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. PT.
Listed at 6-foot-7, 225 pounds Kuminga looked like an unstoppable force at times during his rookie season, as he popped off for some dominant performances with high-flying dunks and sharpshooting. His athleticism jumps off the court, even amongst his muscled NBA peers. And to think he’s only 19.
Moody has shown maturity well beyond his 20 years. He might not have the ceiling of Kuminga but he definitely looks like he could grow into a solid player, as Klay Thompson thinks Moody will eventually be an All-Star one day. Moody is listed at 6-foot-5, 211 pounds but has a 7-foot-1 wingspan that makes him a potential two-way menace.
Mahlalela detailed how the Warriors would like to see Moody grow offensively.
“Development to me is always about how do you unlock basics and the simple things they do well,” Mahlalela said. “For JK it’s gonna be shooting more. For Moses, it’s gonna be the opposite. His shooting is great already, his catch-and-shoot ability, so now we’re working more on his downhill drive so he has options if he gets thrown off the line.”
Mahlalela said the youngsters fit the new NBA mold of a versatile player who can switch to multiple positions.
“This whole conversation about positionless basketball, I think it really fits,” Mahlalela said. “I don’t think they’re exclusively either (position). I think they’re 2s, 3s and 4s and sometimes even a 5 with JK. I think it’s about how do we put them on the floor and let them be the best versions of themselves?
“For Moses, he deferred a bunch to Steph (Curry) and Klay (Thompson) – and I’d probably defer as well, with those guys sitting around you. I think in Summer League that may change. His usage will be higher, he’ll shoot more shots, he’ll kinda push the envelope more. And then JK is just so talented, he could literally be a point guard through a 5. That’s exciting that he brings all of those components to the game.”
