SAN FRANCISCO – Moses Moody, who entered the starting lineup during the Warriors’ impressive late-season run to the NBA playoffs, likely will be a spectator on opening night this season.
Moody started the first two preseason games but has since been sidelined by a calf strain. He did not practice on Thursday and will miss the preseason finale Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
“I would say Moses is doubtful for the opener,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He just hasn’t practiced yet, and we’re hoping that he gets on the floor maybe Sunday or Monday. But without enough ramp-up time, he’s doubtful for the opener.”
Moody’s expected absence is a considerable blow to Golden State’s guard/wing rotation. Guard De’Anthony Melton, reconditioning after surgery last December to repair a torn left ACL, will be sidelined until at least November. Both are quality defenders capable of filling the role alongside Stephen Curry in the backcourt.
With LA’s Luka Dončić looming on opening night, to whom does Kerr turn? There is no perfect move.
Brandin Podziemski has started three of the team’s four preseason games, alongside Curry for two of the three games. He’s an option, but he seems too light to match up with Dončić. Kerr also considers Podziemski his best choice to lead the Warriors’ second unit.
Buddy Hield has started alongside Curry in the past and could get consideration this time around. He’s a better physical matchup with Dončić, but such an assignment would come with the risk of early fouls that could limit Hield’s offensive impact. He thrives on offense when coming off the bench and exploiting opposing second units.
Gary Payton II could get a look, as his defense could annoy Dončić as well as anyone. But that move would severely cramp Golden State’s floor spacing on offense.
Would Kerr turn to rookie Will Richard? Feels like a reach to have someone – anyone – make his NBA debut against an MVP candidate. But Kerr makes it abundantly clear that he believes in Richard, so the possibility can’t be ruled out.
“He has great feel,” Kerr said of Richard. “He’s a really good cutter. The game flows when he’s out there, at both ends. He’s making the right reads and rotations defensively. He’s got a 6-10 wingspan, so he gets his hands on a lot of balls, but it’s the reeds that really (stand out).”
With the versatility of veteran center Al Horford, a two-big lineup – Horford joined by 7-foot Quinten Post up front – deserves consideration. That, however, would force Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler III to contend with Dončić. There are pros and cons to such a decision.
What’s clear is that the Warriors don’t have an ideal defender against Dončić. Neither young Klay Thompson nor experienced Andre Iguodala will be on the floor. Andrew Wiggins, who drew the assignment in recent years, is with the Miami Heat.
With five days to go, Kerr and his staff will convene to explore their options and make a decision.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
Read the full article here
