Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga entered the league together separated by just seven picks in the 2021 NBA Draft. 

Despite their similar Warriors arrivals, their NBA journeys have differed. Moody signed his contract extension before last season in a relatively easy negotiation with Warriors’ brass. On the other hand, Kuminga’s contract negotiations were resolved much later in a much more contentious process this offseason. 

Moody reflected on Kuminga’s time in the NBA after Monday night’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies. 

“I’ve seen JK go through a journey. We kind of grew up together in this NBA world. We played against each other in high school and everything,” Moody said. “Seeing him really figure things out, off the court too, just mentality-wise and being able to be OK in different situations is really impressive to me…” 

“But, him getting here and the attitude and energy he had – even when stuff wasn’t going his way. The person he was able to be, the way that he played on the court, it’s just maturity, is what it seems like. And when you do the right thing, things usually go your way, so it’s cool to see.” 

Moses Moody couldn’t be more proud of Jonathan Kuminga, who’s been able to find his place on this Warriors’ team despite all the contract drama over the summer.

“Maturity is what it seems like. When you do the right thing, things usually go your way.” pic.twitter.com/nqoiRkYpfp

— KNBR (@KNBR) October 28, 2025

Kuminga has been hot out of the gates to start his fifth NBA season, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds per game through four contests. Although it’s a small sample size, both numbers are well-above his career averages. 

In Monday night’s win over the Grizzlies, Kuminga scored a game-high 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. His 10 rebounds also were a game-high and the 11th time he’s reached double-digit rebounds in his career. 

His consistent play to start the season earned praise from coach Steve Kerr, who said Kuminga has “found a spot with this group” after an offseason filled with questions about the fifth-year forward’s role with the team. 

“We just feel like, the way he’s rebounding, the way he’s attacking the rim – that’s what makes him special – like his athleticism, his force,” Kerr said. “And when he’s playing to that – to that talent and to that ability – it changes our team and it changes his game. So, he’s been great.” 

After Monday night’s game, Kuminga noted that rebounding was a key focus in his offseason growth. 

“Just going throughout the summer, I sat down and really thought about what I can add on [to] my game that’s not scoring, that’s not just playing defense – just how can I impact winning,” Kuminga explained. 

The Warriors are heading into the back end of their second back-to-back this season Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The young Dubs, like Kuminga and Moody, will have to help carry the load in those situations with an older core. 

Kuminga’s maturity and growth that Moody mentioned will go a long in way in helping those efforts. 

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