Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody weren’t necessarily drafted to lead the Warriors right away, but their impressive rookie seasons could imply that they’ll contribute in big playoff situations.
General Manager Bob Myers certainly thinks so. Myers said on 95.7 The Game on Monday that he sees the two teenagers not only getting an opportunity in the playoffs but also finding a chance to shine.
“I do think those guys will have some moments in the playoffs,” Myers said. “That’s great experience for both those guys.”
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Kuminga, who has already bloomed into a regular rotation player, figures to see those minutes continue in the playoffs. Moody has seen less playing time, averaging under 12 minutes a game, but his shooting ability could give the Warriors another option from distance.
Myers added 22-year-old Jordan Poole to the list of young players who the Warriors will turn to in the playoffs. Poole was part of last season’s team that made it to the play-in tournament, but his dramatic improvement this year means he’ll be a much bigger factor.
“For an organization, that’s really formative stuff,” Myers said.
The GM alluded to the 2013 playoffs, when the then-young core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green toppled the Denver Nuggets in the first round before taking the San Antonio Spurs to six games in the second round. For many NBA fans, it was those playoffs when the trio burst onto the radar as a potential problem for years to come.
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Nearly a decade later, Kuminga and Moody won’t be leading the charge like Curry, Thompson and Green were for the upstart Warriors. But, if the opportunity arises, they could impact games and gain even more invaluable experience in their first seasons.
Myers said the challenge for Kuminga and Moody continues to be finding consistency because injuries have disjointed the Warriors’ rotation all season. Curry, Thompson and Green have yet to start a single game together, and Curry’s injury means that might not happen until the playoffs.
“The hardest thing for them as rookies is figuring out when you’re playing, when you’re not – finding a rhythm, finding a groove that they’re comfortable with,” Myers said. “And that’s been the toughest thing.”