On July 29, 2021, two young men had their lives changed forever. In the span of a few hours, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga were selected in the first round of the NBA Draft — both by the Golden State Warriors. For many, it was just another pair of picks on draft night. But for Moses and Jonathan, it was the beginning of something special: a shared journey, a bond formed through basketball, and a future shaped by the culture of Dub Nation.
It’s rare in the NBA for two rookies drafted to the same team in the same year to remain closely linked beyond their first season. But for Moody and Kuminga, that draft-night connection has endured. Their careers have grown side-by-side, filled with challenges, growth, and moments of brilliance — all under the lights of Chase Center and the weight of championship expectations.
Draft Night Brothers
Jonathan Kuminga, the seventh overall pick, came into the league with hype and high-flying potential. Athletic, raw, and brimming with upside, he was seen as a long-term project who could one day become a two-way force. Moses Moody, selected 14th overall, arrived with a reputation for toughness, maturity, and a high basketball IQ — the type of 3-and-D wing who could contribute right away.
From the beginning, their personalities complemented each other. Kuminga, charismatic and confident, brought explosive energy. Moody, calm and grounded, carried a quiet determination. Both understood the unique opportunity in front of them: joining a Warriors team not rebuilding, but reloading. They weren’t just joining a roster — they were stepping into a championship culture led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Growing Up in the Golden State System
Playing behind Hall of Famers is both a gift and a challenge. For Moses and Jonathan, minutes didn’t come easy during their rookie seasons. They bounced between the G-League and the main roster, learning on the fly, absorbing the Warriors’ complex system, and waiting for their moments.
Their early years were filled with long film sessions, tough practices, and the occasional DNP (Did Not Play). But through it all, they had each other. That connection — forged on draft night — became a source of support as they navigated the demanding world of professional basketball.
“We were learning together,” Moody said in a recent interview. “Going through the ups and downs, figuring out how to earn trust from the vets and coaches, it was huge having someone next to me who was on the same path.”
Kuminga echoed the sentiment. “That bond, it’s real. From the beginning, we’ve been pushing each other. Competing, supporting, growing. That’s my brother.”
A Championship and a Turning Point
In their rookie season, the Warriors made a run to the 2022 NBA title — their fourth ring of the Steph-Klay-Dray era. While Kuminga and Moody played limited minutes in the Finals, their contributions during the regular season and early playoff rounds were valuable. They got a taste of the glory, and more importantly, they got to see what winning at the highest level looked like.
That experience was a turning point. It showed them what was possible, and what it would take to truly earn a permanent place in the Warriors’ rotation.
Over the next couple of seasons, both players took significant steps forward. Kuminga began flashing his potential as a slashing scorer and versatile defender. His athleticism made him a nightmare in transition, and his physicality allowed him to guard multiple positions. Moody, meanwhile, carved out a niche as a reliable wing who could space the floor, make smart decisions, and defend with discipline.
Staying Ready and Staying Close
Their journey hasn’t been linear. There have been stretches where one played more than the other. Injuries, rotations, and coaching decisions have all played a role in shaping their minutes. But through it all, their friendship has stayed intact.
Fans often spot them working out together pregame, chatting on the bench, or dapping each other up after a good play. It’s more than camaraderie — it’s a real bond rooted in shared goals and mutual respect.
“We push each other every day,” Kuminga said. “If I see Moses working hard, I want to match that energy. We’re always trying to level up.”
Moody agreed. “Iron sharpens iron. It’s a blessing to go through this journey with someone who’s been there from day one.”
The Future of the Franchise?
As the Warriors look toward the future, with an aging core and a changing league, the development of Moody and Kuminga has taken center stage. Both are still young, both have made strides, and both have the potential to be key building blocks in the next era of Warriors basketball.
Kuminga’s ceiling remains sky-high. His athleticism, scoring flashes, and improving defensive instincts make him a tantalizing prospect. Moody, while not as flashy, brings consistency, maturity, and winning habits. Together, they represent two sides of the same coin — the flash and the fundamentals.
From draft night to today, their story has been one of patience, persistence, and partnership. They’ve grown up in the Warriors’ system, learned from legends, and stayed grounded through the grind. Now, as they enter their prime years, the future is theirs to shape.
And no matter where their careers go from here, one thing is certain: Moses and Jonathan have been together from the start — and Dub Nation has loved watching every step of the journey.
