Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody is proving that resilience and determination can transform a young athlete’s career. After a challenging injury that sidelined him last season, the 23-year-old wing has been methodically rebuilding his game, even playing pickup basketball with just his left hand during recovery.

Moody’s commitment to improvement is evident in his offseason approach. Despite a surgically repaired UCL in his right thumb, he continued seeking basketball opportunities, playing left-handed pickup games in Atlanta and Little Rock. His dedication caught the attention of local players, who were impressed by his skill even with limited mobility.

Last season, Moody showed glimpses of his potential, averaging a career-high 9.8 points per game. His defensive prowess, particularly in small-ball lineups, became a critical component of the Warriors’ playoff push. His wingspan and athletic ability make him an exceptional point-of-attack defender, drawing comparisons to defensive specialists like Gary Payton II.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr appreciates Moody’s maturity and consistent work ethic. Compared to veteran Kevon Looney, Moody has maintained a composed attitude through fluctuating roles in his first four NBA seasons. His preseason performance was particularly promising, shooting an impressive 7-for-9 with five 3-pointers in the team’s opener.

As he enters his fifth season, Moody is positioned for a potential breakout. With a potential starting lineup featuring Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Brandin Podziemski, he’s ready to leverage his improved skills and defensive capabilities.

“I’m going to build as much as I can and then look up and see what I’ve built,” Moody said, reflecting his methodical and optimistic approach to his NBA journey.