The Warriors brass has been very transparent with its goals for the franchise. Golden State wants to keep the Dynasty Dubs core together as long as possible while also mixing in the next generation.
We could see the cornerstones for the future being laid last season, as shifty guard Jordan Poole ascended to new heights in his third year while lottery pick wings Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody made some promising progress throughout their rookie campaigns. Now big man James Wiseman is on the verge of rejoining game action in Summer League and could play in Sunday’s contest against the San Antonio Spurs at 4:30 p.m. PT, which you can hear on 95.7 The Game.
Ahead of Friday’s 5 p.m. PT Vegas Summer League opener against the New York Knicks, when Wiseman will be resting, Moody joined 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” with Mark Willard and Larry Krueger, filling in for Dan Dibley. Moody discussed what it was like to win a title in his first season, how Summer League is different in 2022 and the growing expectations of Golden State’s young core.
“That’s what everybody talks about and that’s what everybody sees, and that’s what everybody hopes for,” Moody said of the young Warriors core. “I feel like it would be easy to get distracted and say, ‘We’re next, we’re the future, that’s what it’s gonna be.’ I’d rather just focus day-by-day and let the future happen when it does.”
Moody has been lauded for his veteran mindset despite the fact he can’t legally buy a beer. Speaking of which, how does he plan to stay busy in Sin City during Summer League the next 10 days?
“A 20-year-old in Vegas? He goes and gets himself something to eat,” Moody said with a laugh. “He ... uhhh ... I dunno. Just chillin'. Might go to Top Golf. I can't golf though."
Ah, to be young.
When it comes to Wiseman, Moody is also excited to see the center get back on the floor. Wiseman has been limited to just three G League games since tearing the meniscus in his right knee on April 10, 2021. Moody, Kuminga and Wiseman are yet to share the floor with each other in a game situation, but could do it this weekend.
“That dude is a freak athlete,” Moody said.”He's got a lot of ability and I'm just glad he's gonna be able to get the opportunity to showcase that. He has been off for a long time, he hasn’t played in a long time, so obviously he’s gonna have to work through the kinks that come along with that. As long as he can keep a positive mindset and know he has just as much of an excuse as anybody to take his time and really get in the flow of the things, then I think he’s gonna start off in Summer League and then propel for the career and season he’s gonna have."
Moody is already familiar with Kuminga, though. The two rookies were on similar tracks throughout the whole season, though Moody spent a bit more time with the Santa Cruz G League Warriors.
“It’s like being an only child and having a brother,” Moody said. “I had a brother growing up, so it’s just kinda the advantages that come with that. Having somebody who’s going through it all with you, we can chop it up, we can talk about stuff because we can relate. You don’t gotta do all the rookie duties, you can split ‘em in half. It’s cool having a brother going through it with you.”
As for Moody himself, Warriors Summer League coach Jama Mahlalela said the organization would love to see him improve his driving ability, since his 3-point shooting is already well-developed.
“I feel more comfortable, established and I have specific things that I’m working on,” Moody said. “Last year was just about going out there the best that I can and trying to show what I can do and all of that. Now I have a different mindset and it’s more about development, and I’m working on specific things and that kinda slows down things for me in my head.”
Moody knows he probably won’t win a championship after every season, but relished the experience of getting a ring his rookie year.
“It was great being in that environment, being in the parade, being around the team and just going through that with the dudes that you been through everything with all year – that connection, that bond – us celebrating after accomplishing the goal was everything,” Moody said. “Those my dogs.”
