3 Teams That Would Benefit From Moses Moody Falling in Draft

It’s officially NBA draft season for most of the NBA, and WynnBET has released odds for several prospects that are expected to go in the first round. 

One of those prospects, University of Arkansas guard Moses Moody, is expected to be a lottery pick, but Vegas seems to think he’s going to fall in the 2021 NBA Draft. 

WynnBET projected Moody to go at 11.5 in the draft, but the over on that prop (-140) is heavily favored to the under (+115).

I found this surprising since Moody had an impressive freshman season at Arkansas. In 32 games last season, Moody averaged 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from 3. 

Moody can stretch the floor, and at 6-foot-6 he has some intrigue as a solid defender at the next level. He had a 2.3 defensive box plus/minus last year at Arkansas, which shows that he could really be a solid 3-and-D player in the NBA.

If Moody falls, there certainly will be teams at the end of the lottery, or outside of it, that would be a great fit for the Arkansas guard.

1. Golden State Warriors

Golden State will have two chances at Moody if they don’t trade the No. 7 overall pick, as they also hold the No. 14 pick in the draft. 

If the Warriors are truly looking to win now, moving a combination of Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman and the No. 7 pick could net them a third star alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. 

That being said, adding Moody at No. 14 would certainly help soften the blow of Wiggins or even Kelly Oubre departing this offseason. 

Another solid athlete and shooter alongside Thompson and Curry would be a nightmare to guard, and if he’s ready right away, Moody could help the Warriors ease Thompson back from his Achilles injury. 

There are certainly worse picks that could be made at No. 14, and taking a guy who’s expected to be a lottery pick is a good way to go.

2. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies were able to grab the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference this season, and they look like an up-and-coming young team in the West. 

Memphis’ selection is at No. 17, which would be a long fall for Moody, but he’d be a great fit for multiple reasons. 

First off, the Grizzlies have done a fantastic job developing players that weren’t necessarily high draft picks (Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman) in recent years. 

On top of that, drafting Moody may allow Memphis to move on from an expiring contract or another young player in order to bring more talent into the roster. 

Moody wouldn't be asked to play a major role right away, but after seeing how much Brooks has blossomed into a quality starter, it’s hard not to wonder what Moody could turn into alongside Ja Morant.

3. San Antonio Spurs

This one goes without saying, as the Spurs are famous for developing players (Keldon Johnson, Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker, Kyle Anderson and that Kawhi Leonard guy to name a few) into solid pieces. 

I’m not saying Moody will become the next Kawhi, but he would certainly help a Spurs team that may lose Demar DeRozan in free agency. 

The Spurs pick at No. 12 in this year’s draft, so they’d likely have the first shot at Moody if he does hit the over on his 11.5 projection.

Moody and Murray would be an interesting backcourt given their length, and the Spurs are trying to find the next wave of young talent that will help them get back to the glory days of the Tim Duncan era.