How Draymond helped Moody’s defensive growth with Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Moses Moody credits a Warriors teammate Draymond Green to help him become a better defender.
In a talk with Green and retired Golden State veteran Baron Davis in “The Draymond Green Show,” Moody explained how the four-time NBA champion helps that end of the court.
“My rookie year, I’d guard somebody and feel like they’re hesitant — like, they don’t want to make moves a certain way — because they see me and they don’t want to attack here,” Moody told Green and Davis. “I realized it’s like in a movie or something where the guy in front, I’m just looking at you, but then I got this big old man (Green) behind me and they see, and they’re acting a certain way.”
Earlier in his career, Moody — at 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds — believed his opponents were hesitant with the ball in front of him because he was so intimidating. However, while intimidation may have been a factor, the fourth-year wing found that Green’s presence in the background deterred ball handlers.
That sounds about right. Green wrecks offenses for a living, earning 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors, eight All-Defensive selections and made approximately $200 million during his 13 seasons for his two-way skill.
Green’s defensive approach rubbed off on Moody. The young wing is now one of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s reliable two-way options and often more difficult perimeter tasks are assigned.
“Because I was able to become a better defender, now I can take more gambles and influence the ball, because [opponents] always have that hesitation,” Moody told Green and Davis. “Because Dray, he’s not like half-showing, he’s standing right here like we’re almost doubling you, and because he can react and get back to where he needs to be.
“Just having that behind you at all times, it just lets you become a different player.”
Moody alone is a good, developing defender. But playing alongside Green throughout his career so far has made Moody’s nightly responsibilities so much easier.
