OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Moses Moody – future 3 and D specialist

Moses Moody strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

While Moses Moody isn’t the most athletic guard in the class he projects well in a subsidiary role. As a freshman, he averaged 16.1 points and showed glimpses of potential 3 and D capabilities connecting on 35.8 percent of his 5.1 perimeter attempts.

Defensively he delivers offering the quickness to deal with guards or wings. Moreover, his size (211 pounds) and length (6’4.5) should equate to him contributing against the bigger NBA bodies even in his rookie season.

The overall balance of the Arkansas guard’s game will fit in with virtually any team. There are signs he can develop across all areas and though he needs to work on offensive versatility. However, Moody’s ability as an on-ball or off-ball defender along with his shooting should equate to him contributing immediately.

Weaknesses:

Although Moody demonstrated the ability to sink shots on the perimeter his work off the dribble is another matter entirely. His assist to turnover ratio is equal (1.6 assists versus 1.6 turnovers).

A potential red flag for drafting teams is the stark variance of Moody’s production between lower tier and elite clubs. As Mike Schmitz of ESPN points out:

"Shot just 42% from 2 and 31% from 3 in 21 games against teams with a winning record, compared to 60% from 2 and 43% from 3 in 11 games against teams with a losing record."

Lack of explosion limits his ability to create his own shot get to the rim and also affects his ability to create for teammates.

Most of his shot opportunities were the result of him coming off screens so expanding his moves and offensive repertoire should be summer homework.