Kerr’s Son! Why Has Moses Moody Suddenly Slipped in His Second Year?

The Golden State Warriors have long been known for their development of young talent, and Moses Moody was one of their most promising prospects. As a first-round pick in 2021, Moody was expected to contribute quickly, given the Warriors' focus on bringing in fresh, skilled players to complement their established stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, just a year later, Moses Moody seems to have hit an unexpected slump in his sophomore season.

Moody, once hailed as a future star with immense potential, has struggled to live up to expectations. His sophomore year has been a sharp contrast to his rookie campaign, and there are several factors at play. While there is no question about his skill and work ethic, his decline in performance has raised concerns among fans, analysts, and the Warriors’ organization alike. Despite these struggles, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr continues to praise Moody, describing him as an essential part of the team's future and a player he still has great faith in.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Moody’s second year in the NBA has not gone as planned. After a solid rookie season where he averaged 9.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, it seemed like Moody was on track to develop into a key contributor for the Warriors. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, alongside other top talents like Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and Brandon Miller.

Yet this season, the numbers are far less encouraging. Moody has struggled with his efficiency, particularly in shooting. His field goal percentage has dropped to just 37.6%, and his three-point shooting has plummeted to 25%. Even his free throw percentage has dipped, sitting at a modest 75%. His real shooting percentage, a key indicator of a player’s overall offensive efficiency, has fallen to a worrying 45.9%, which ranks him 298th out of 316 eligible players in the league.

His struggles are not just limited to shooting. Advanced statistics also paint a troubling picture. Last season, despite being a rookie, Moody posted an offensive Box Plus-Minus (BPM) of -0.5, which is considered solid for a first-year player. This season, however, his BPM has dropped dramatically to -3.1, ranking him 504th among all players in the league. This sharp decline in advanced metrics indicates that his overall impact on both ends of the court has diminished significantly.

The Confidence Issue

So, what has happened to Moody? One of the biggest reasons behind his drop in performance appears to be a loss of confidence. The rookie who looked calm and composed on the court last season now seems tentative and unsure of himself. There are flashes of his previous potential, such as moments when he can create his own shot or defend at a high level, but these moments are less frequent than they were in his debut season.

One of the key issues for Moody this year has been his struggle to find a rhythm within the Warriors’ offensive system. With the team’s established stars, particularly Curry and Thompson, commanding much of the offensive attention, there has been less room for Moody to operate. His minutes have fluctuated, and when he does get playing time, he often seems unsure of his role. This has led to a lot of passive play, with Moody not looking to assert himself in the same way he did last season.

In a recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors hit 27 three-pointers, marking the second-most in franchise history in a single game. Despite a strong team effort, Moody was once again underwhelming. He played just 16 minutes, shooting 1-of-5 from the field and finishing with only 3 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. The highlight of his disappointing performance came in the fourth quarter when he had a chance to make a big play. After faking out Mavericks star Luka Dončić with a pump fake on the baseline, Moody hesitated and took an awkward, rushed shot that was easily blocked. This was a microcosm of his struggles this season: opportunities that should have been capitalized on slipping away due to hesitation and a lack of confidence.

Kerr’s Continued Faith in Moody

Despite the struggles, Steve Kerr has remained supportive of Moody. Kerr, known for his trust in his younger players, has continued to provide positive feedback, even when Moody’s performances have been far from ideal. After the Mavericks loss, Kerr praised Moody for his defensive efforts during Curry’s rest periods, stating that he had executed a few good defensive plays. This might be Kerr’s way of showing that he still sees the potential in Moody and believes he can contribute in other areas besides scoring.

In the game against the Houston Rockets, Kerr similarly expressed his trust in Moody during critical moments, saying that he was one of the players the team trusted most when the game was on the line. While these comments are meant to boost the confidence of a young player, they have raised questions about Kerr’s decision to keep giving Moody substantial minutes, despite his struggles.

It’s clear that Kerr values Moody for his potential and is hoping that he can turn things around. However, at some point, one has to wonder if Kerr is being too loyal to a player who is not currently delivering on the court. Kerr’s willingness to continue playing Moody significant minutes despite his struggles has sparked a debate among fans and analysts about whether other players, such as Gary Payton II or even rookie Brandin Podziemski, should be given more of an opportunity to play.

The Bigger Picture

Looking at the bigger picture, it’s important to remember that Moody is still very young. He is only in his second year, and many players experience growing pains as they adjust to the NBA game. What is concerning, however, is the drop in his efficiency across the board. While it’s normal for a player to have ups and downs, the scale of Moody’s regression is worrying, especially when the Warriors have high expectations for him.

As the season progresses, it’s crucial for both Kerr and the Warriors’ front office to closely evaluate Moody’s development. His struggles could be a temporary setback, or they could be a sign of deeper issues that need to be addressed. The Warriors’ current championship window is still open, but the team cannot afford to let a promising young player like Moody slide into irrelevance. The addition of veteran players like Chris Paul and the potential trade for someone like Dennis Schröder could help alleviate some of the burden on Moody, but it also puts more pressure on him to perform.

There’s also the fact that Moody’s situation reflects the broader challenges of integrating young players into a championship-contending team. With the Warriors still heavily reliant on their veterans, it can be difficult for a young player like Moody to carve out a consistent role. However, it’s also part of the responsibility of the coaching staff and the front office to help players like Moody navigate these challenges and develop into the players they’re capable of becoming.

Is There a Future for Moody in Golden State?

As of now, it’s unclear what the future holds for Moody in Golden State. The Warriors have invested heavily in his development, and they still have high hopes for him as a key part of their future. However, if his struggles continue, it’s possible that the team may look to move him in a trade package to bolster their roster for a deeper playoff run. Teams that are rebuilding or looking for a young talent with potential could find value in a player like Moody, but the Warriors would be taking a risk by giving up on him so early in his career.

In the end, whether Moody can regain his form will depend on his ability to shake off the slump and rediscover the confidence and aggression he showed last season. With the right guidance and more consistent playing time, he may yet fulfill the potential that made him a top draft pick in 2021. But for now, the question remains: can Kerr’s faith in him translate into meaningful improvement, or will Moody’s second-year slump become a sign of things to come? The Warriors and their fans are hoping it’s the former.