These Warriors increased their value with unexpected production this season.
Golden State Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga / Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors were knocked out in the opening game of the Play-In Tournament, despite having a better regular season record than last season. It was a disappointing year for several players and the entire team. The Dubs want to compete for championships and will have to make significant changes for that reality to return.
It was not all bad. Stephen Curry was still elite. Draymond Green made a massive impact when he was on the floor. Golden State also saw their young talent take a step forward. Several got extended minutes and even passed veterans in the rotation. Nobody thought Kevon Looney could get benched for a rookie second-round pick, but it happened.
These Warriors increased their trade value and some could become crucial pieces if the Dubs decide to make a blockbuster trade this summer.
4. Moses Moody
The 21-year-old former lottery pick might be a surprise inclusion on this list because he hasn’t fully broken out. His playing time is still inconsistent and there are nights where he may only be on the floor for five minutes. None of that stopped Moody from having the best season of his NBA career.
He averaged 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.6 steals in 17.5 minutes per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 36.0 percent on his threes. He put up over 16 points and six rebounds per 36 minutes and continues to improve. Moody is ready for more minutes but is stuck behind Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga in the rotation.
Several teams would love to trade for Moses Moody, and the Dubs could get significant value in return. Finding a 6’6 wing with his potential is not easy. Do not expect Golden State to trade him, but other teams will certainly make offers.
3. Trayce Jackson-Davis
The Warriors bought the second-to-last pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and selected Jackson-Davis out of Indiana. Nobody expected the 6’9 big man to play this season, especially in Golden State. The Dubs had their eyes on contending and playing a rookie is usually not conducive to winning games. They had veterans in front of him, but it did not matter.
TJD outplayed Kevon Looney and Dario Saric to jump into the rotation. Since securing a consistent role in mid-February, the 24-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game. Golden State needed some rim protection and defense, so they turned to Jackson-Davis.
He is an older and more experienced rookie. It has certainly helped his transition, but nobody expected him to be starting crucial games in his first year on a team that has won four championships in the last ten years.
Trayce Jackson-Davis would be a first-round pick if there was a 2023 re-draft. Every team would love to have a backup big man capable of rebounding and protecting the rim like TJD. He continues to improve, but do not expect him to leave the Bay Area anytime soon. The Dubs certainly got a steal in the second round.
2. Brandin Podziemski
Some thought taking Podz at 19th overall was a bit of a reach. He was ranked 79th in his class coming out of high school and played under five minutes per game as a freshman at Illinois. He broke out after transferring to Santa Clara, but it would be a massive leap in competition to the NBA.
It did not matter. In his first game, the 6’5 wing grabbed eight rebounds in 22.8 minutes in a dominant win over the Pelicans. The second time he got extended run, Podz went for 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. It was clear from that moment that he belonged in the rotation and was going to be a key piece for the Dubs.
Since November 14, the 21-year-old averaged 9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 0.9 steals in 28.2 minutes per game. Golden State has a deep backcourt, but they must find significant run for Podz. During that stretch, he shot 45.3 percent from the field and 38.3 percent on his threes.
By win shares, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Podziemski rank second and fourth in the 2023 draft class, despite being taken 57th and 19th. The Dubs did an outstanding job, and teams would line up if they made either rookie available on the trade market.
1. Jonathan Kuminga
There was plenty of turmoil early in the season when Kuminga was playing limited minutes. He wanted more run, and there was talk of trade demands. It never came to that. Kerr began playing him more in December, and Kuminga broke out.
Over a 50-game stretch, the 21-year-old averaged 18.4 points, 5.5 rebounds. 2.6 assists, and 0.8 steals in 29.0 minutes per game. The Warriors needed another scorer, and Kuminga has delivered. He dealt with injuries over the final month of the regular season, but it did not impact his long-term potential.
The Warriors still believe Kuminga can become a star. The seventh overall pick in 2021 is coming into his own and still has plenty of room to grow. He has solidified himself as a key rotation piece and now it is all about adding to his game.
Teams were not shy about calling when Jonathan Kuminga was playing a limited role. They hoped to buy low, but that won’t happen. His value took a massive leap this season. Expect Kuminga to get a hefty extension before the 2024-25 campaign and to be in the Bay Area for years to come.
The Golden State Warriors had a disappointing season and massive questions lie ahead. They have some young talent to mix with their veterans, but can the Dubs get back into title contention? Stay tuned to find out.
