The Golden State Warriors are coming off a difficult stretch in which they leaned heavily on their NBA rookies, banking on a youthful spark to complement their veteran core led by Stephen Curry. Moses Moody is emerging as a prime example of that approach, quickly becoming a fan favorite and earning the respect of his teammates.
Moody is expected to continue playing a key role for the Warriors following what was easily the most productive season of his young NBA career. He posted career highs across the board, seeing his minutes increase as he became a reliable spark off the bench—often stepping in for superstar Stephen Curry.
Watching Curry’s work ethic up close is a valuable experience for any young player. But while the two-time MVP is widely regarded as a consummate teammate, he doesn’t shy away from teaching tough lessons—especially to rookies who don’t yet know better.
“One of my first times, I ripped him [Curry], and I’m a rookie, just coming in, so I’m feeling good about it,” Moody said during an appearance on The Old Man and the Three podcast. “I just felt everybody in the room kind of go, ‘Oh… he doesn’t know.’ Then Steph did what Steph does and went crazy, and I’m like, ‘OK, that feeling was right.’ I knew what I felt. Everybody knew what was about to go down.”
Now entering his fifth season out of Arkansas, Moody also highlighted the subtle leadership Curry brings to the locker room—a steady presence that’s helped keep the Warriors in the title conversation for more than a decade.
see also
NBA Rumors: Austin Reaves’ contract demands revealed, Lakers’ decision depends on one condition
“He’s not loud, he doesn’t talk crazy, but he’s so good that when he’s talking, he’s helping you—almost unintentionally. He’s just playing,” Moody added. “He doesn’t talk a lot, and it’s not in a conniving type of way. It’s genuine.”
Moody remains a critical piece off the bench, often providing fresh energy during pivotal moments. Alongside fellow young talents like Brandin Podziemski and Quinten Post, he represents part of the franchise’s blueprint for the future.
The Warriors made it clear they viewed Moody as a building block when they selected him 14th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Though he played a limited role in his first three seasons, he has since earned the full trust of head coach Steve Kerr and looks poised to take another leap in the coming year.
