The Golden State Warriors Must Not Repeat Their Mistakes With Jonathan Kuminga When Developing Moses Moody Into a Core Player

The Golden State Warriors have long walked a tightrope between contending now and building for the future. They’ve succeeded more than most teams at maintaining championship aspirations while developing young talent. But that balance is delicate, and the margin for error is slim. Now, with Moses Moody on the brink of becoming a key rotational piece, the Warriors face a critical decision. Will they trust and invest in Moody’s growth, or will they make the same developmental missteps that nearly stunted Jonathan Kuminga’s rise?

Jonathan Kuminga’s journey with the Warriors is a cautionary tale. Taken with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga was viewed as a high-upside prospect with elite athleticism and star potential. However, his early years in Golden State were marked by inconsistency — not just in his play, but in how the team handled his development. Kuminga was in and out of the rotation, his role often fluctuating from game to game. There were moments when he looked like a future cornerstone, followed by stretches when he was stapled to the bench without clear explanation. This lack of consistent minutes and trust from the coaching staff didn’t help his confidence or rhythm, and while the team insisted they were “developing him behind the scenes,” it was hard to ignore the sense that they were also holding him back.

Fast forward to last season, and Kuminga finally broke out. His athleticism, finishing ability, and defensive versatility became undeniable assets. He improved his decision-making and looked more comfortable in the offense. He earned more minutes and became a bright spot on a team that struggled with identity and cohesion. But just as Kuminga began to flourish, trade rumors swirled. Reports surfaced that his future in Golden State wasn’t guaranteed, despite his leap in production. The Warriors were reportedly listening to offers, including those that would bring in win-now pieces to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry’s prime. After all the struggle to develop Kuminga, it now seems possible — even likely — that the team could part ways with him just as he’s beginning to blossom. That’s not just unfortunate. It’s organizational malpractice.

Enter Moses Moody, another 2021 draft pick taken 14th overall, and another young player whose development now hangs in the balance. Moody is not the same kind of talent as Kuminga — he doesn’t have the explosive athleticism or superstar ceiling. But what he does have is a high basketball IQ, positional size, defensive instincts, and a game that translates well to winning basketball. In short, he does the little things that every team needs. And whenever he’s gotten real playing time, he’s delivered. Last season, in limited opportunities, Moody showed flashes of being a high-level 3-and-D contributor with a knack for making hustle plays and timely shots. In the playoffs, he came through with poised performances, playing within his role and earning praise from both teammates and media alike.

Yet, just like Kuminga before him, Moody has had to earn his place in an environment where young players often take a backseat to veterans. The Warriors have historically leaned heavily on experience, often defaulting to trusted vets even when younger players flash potential. That approach worked when the team was contending at the highest level — and when the veterans were delivering. But the Warriors are no longer a lock for deep playoff runs. Last season’s disappointing finish and first-round exit were a signal that something has to change. Simply rolling with the same formula won’t be enough. And part of that change needs to involve giving Moody a consistent role and the runway to develop through playing time.

There’s a misconception that development happens only in practices and film sessions. While those are important, real growth occurs on the court — in game situations, against live competition, where mistakes can become learning opportunities. That’s something Kuminga didn’t always get in his first two seasons, and Moody has suffered similarly. Spot minutes and unpredictable rotations don’t allow a player to build confidence or rhythm. For someone like Moody, who thrives on energy plays, shooting rhythm, and defensive chemistry, inconsistent minutes can be especially damaging. If the Warriors want to maximize his potential, they need to make a clear, intentional commitment to his role and stick with it, even if he struggles early on.

There’s another layer to this: Stephen Curry isn’t getting any younger. At 37, his window for carrying a team to a title is narrowing. The Warriors owe it to him to stay competitive, but they also owe it to themselves to plan for life after Curry. That future isn’t going to be built through splashy free-agent signings or blockbuster trades — they don’t have the cap space or assets to outbid rivals. Instead, it has to be built internally, with smart drafting, good development, and a willingness to trust young players. Moody, along with Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, represent the franchise’s best shot at a soft rebuild on the fly. But that can’t happen if those players are stuck behind aging veterans who no longer move the needle.

There’s also something to be said for identity. The Warriors’ best teams played with a joyful, fast-paced, unselfish style that flowed from Curry and Draymond Green’s on-court chemistry. Moody fits that identity. He plays within the system, makes smart reads, spaces the floor, and defends multiple positions. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, but he can make things happen when given the chance. He is, in many ways, the kind of player who could help bridge the gap between eras — if the organization gives him that opportunity.

New head coach Kenny Atkinson, known for his player development chops, may be the right person to guide Moody through this next phase. Atkinson helped mold young players in Brooklyn and has a reputation for building confidence through clearly defined roles. If the Warriors are serious about changing their approach with young players, this is the time to prove it. Moody’s development won’t just help the team in the long run — it could help them next season, too. With Klay Thompson gone and the rotation in flux, there’s a genuine opportunity for Moody to carve out a larger role. Whether that’s as a starting wing or a key bench contributor, he’s earned the right to be more than just a fill-in.

The Warriors need to be honest about where they are and what they’re building toward. If the goal is to stay competitive while developing future core players, then Moody can’t be treated like a backup plan. He’s already shown he can contribute to winning. Now he needs minutes, a defined role, and the trust to play through mistakes. That’s what Kuminga eventually got, and it’s what Moody should get now — not two seasons from now when the team’s hand is forced. If Golden State repeats the same mistakes and undervalues Moody’s potential, they may again find themselves watching a promising young player flourish elsewhere.

The NBA is unforgiving when it comes to wasted development years. Every season counts, especially when your core is aging and your cap flexibility is limited. Moody’s path is not just about him — it’s about the Warriors’ ability to sustain success. They’ve threaded the needle before. But to do it again, they must learn from the past and act boldly in the present. Moses Moody doesn’t need to be a star. He just needs a real chance to become the player he’s already shown he can be. The Warriors can’t afford to wait any longer.