Moses Moody was part of the Golden State Warriors’ rotation during their playoff run. Things didn’t go their way, and to make matters worse, Moody was one of several players dealing with injuries.
Moody isn’t on the same level as Stephen Curry or Jimmy Butler, but the Warriors kept leaning on him. It turns out he was hurt worse than folks knew — and he needed surgery.
Latest on Golden State Warriors Guard Moses Moody’s Injury, Recovery
On May 22, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported that Moody had surgery on his thumb and shared a timeline for his return.
“Moses Moody had surgery on a torn UCL in his right thumb yesterday, the Warriors announced. He had a wrap on it at times late in the season. Expected to be back in time for training camp,” Slater wrote.
Moses Moody had surgery on a torn UCL in his right thumb yesterday, the Warriors announce. He had a wrap on it at times late in the season. Expected to be back in time for training camp.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater)
All signs point to Moody being ready for the start of training camp. He just wrapped up a career year, averaging 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game. He also shot an efficient 43.4% from the floor and 37.4% from deep.
Moody played in 74 regular-season games and all 12 playoff games, even with the thumb issue. He might not be a star, but he’s become a dependable piece in the rotation — someone Golden State can’t afford to lose for long stretches. His energy, shooting and willingness to defend boost the Warriors when their starters sit.
Despite the playoff disappointment, the Warriors believe they’ll be back in the hunt next season. Curry’s hamstring injury significantly affected their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors never found a rhythm without him on the floor.
Golden State is still one of the oldest teams in the league, but with Curry, Butler and Draymond Green leading the way, they’ve got plenty left in the tank. Moody and others help round out the depth chart and keep the team competitive. The front office needs player production on team-friendly deals, and Moody fits that mold.
A title-contending squad needs bench players who can hold things down, and that’s the kind of role Moody has settled into. He’s no longer just a prospect — they rely on him. The Warriors will need more than just him to win another championship; he remains a key piece of their core.
Golden State could trade him only if the return is a clear upgrade. He’s on a team-friendly deal, too, set to begin a three-year, $37.5 million extension. That contract makes him both valuable and movable, depending on how aggressive the Warriors want to get this offseason.
No matter how it shakes out, Moody being on track to return is great news for the Warriors.