Moody's shooting stroke makes him Warriors target at No. 7

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  • This is the second installment in our Warriors NBA draft series breaking down potential targets for Golden State. Warriors insider Monte Poole and reporter Kendra Andrews each drafted seven players who could be an option for Golden State at either No. 7 or No. 14.

Those with long memories realize the Warriors were questioned when they picked Stephen Curry seventh overall in 2009 and questioned again when they chose Klay Thompson 11th overall two years later.

They’ll be questioned again if they take Moses Moody with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

Just as the front office believed in Curry and Thompson, there are valid reasons to justify taking Moody with the seventh overall pick, beginning with the fact that he almost certainly will be gone by the time the Warriors make their next selection at No. 14.

One look at his gorgeous shooting stroke explains why Moody, who declared for the draft after one season at Arkansas, is not expected to make it out of the lottery.

Moody’s release off the dribble is not quite Curry quick but it’s faster than most, and his catch-and-shoot ability is reminiscent of Thompson. For good measure, Moody also has a smooth floater and the ability to stop and pop from midrange. He has a knack for getting to the line, where he shot 81.2 percent. Moody’s scoring ability, equal parts savvy and gift, seems plucked from the book of Lou Williams.

Except Moody, 19, is much bigger. Standing 6-foot-5 with a wingspan that exceeds 7 feet and an 8-foot-9 standing reach, he is a very willing defender. His size allows him to guard three and sometimes four positions, making him that switchable wing all NBA teams covet.

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So, why would some question the Warriors if they were to keep their No. 7 pick and use it to select Moody? His field-goal percentages. Though he led the Razorbacks in scoring, he shot well below 50 percent from the field and did not approach 40 percent from distance.
Moody is only 19, though, so there should be plenty of upside to tap into as he matures. Taking him at No. 7 would not be a reach, but he’d be a steal if he’s on the board when the Warriors make the 14th overall pick.

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Moses Moody profile

Position: Shooting guard/small forward
Class: Freshman
Birthdate: May 31, 2002
Hometown: Little Rock
2020-21 season averages: 16.8 points (42.7 percent FG, 35.8 percent 3-point, 81.2 percent FT), 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals.
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 211
Wingspan: 7-.75
What they’re saying: “He’s going to be different from a lot of rookies because he has such a deep understanding of the game. He comes in early, watches a lot of film, and takes care of his body. He’d be an asset for any NBA team and great for the Warriors because of his feel for the game and his ability to stretch the floor without dominating the ball.”-Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman by phone to NBC Sports Bay Area

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