As Intentions continues our annual OKC Thunder prospect profile series we turn our attention to Arkansas guard Moses Moody.
Moody is a bright prospect who can meld into any system with the potential to morph into a future 3 and D specialist. At 6’6 he brings size to his position and has a substantial wingspan (7’1) that affords him the ability to cause issues on defense.
The Arkansas native projects to be a player with a long career but the biggest question is figuring out how high his ceiling is particularly on the offensive end of the hardwood.
OKC Thunder draft prospect profile for Moses Moody:
Specifics:
- Height: 6’4.5″
- Weight: 211 pounds
- Wingspan: 7’1
- Position: Guard
- Birthdate/Age: May 31, 2002, 19 years
- College: Arkansas
- Stat line: 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks
- Home Town: Little Rock, Arkansas
Box Score Statistics:
| Season | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 2PA | 2P% | 3PA | 3P% | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 32 | 33.8 | 12.1 | .427 | 7.0 | .478 | 5.1 | .358 | 5.8 | .812 | 2.0 | 3.8 | 5.8 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 16.8 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/16/2021.
Current Ranking:
- The Ringer: 15th
- NBA DraftNet: 8th
- ESPN: 16th
- CBS Sports: 11th
- NBA: 20th
- Bleacher Report: 11th
- FanSided The Step Back: 11th
With that let’s dive a little deeper into Moses Moody to determine his strengths and weaknesses.
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.
Pro Comparison:
Given the list of comparisons offered there is optimism Moody can develop into a quality 3 and D contributor if he puts work in the lab. Analysts cite Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Morris Peterson, Glen Rice, Robert Covington, and Joe Johnson.
At this stage, it’s hard to fathom him becoming much of an offensive contributor. However, if he adds another offensive move to his 3-point shot given his defensive capabilities he can grow into a core contributor.
OKC Thunder fit:
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Every club can use wings that are capable defenders and can hit shots from the perimeter. Certainly, the Thunder are no different in that need but the questions about Moody’s subpar ball handling and lack of offensive skills should give Sam Presti pause.
Experts can’t agree on where Moody will be selected ranking him anywhere from 11th to 20th. That puts him in the range of OKC’s second (16th) and third (18th) picks.
We’re still leaning to OKC packaging these two picks to move up for a player of Alperen Sengun’s ilk. Alternatively, if the Thunder do make all their first-round picks the belief is Cam Thomas would be a better fit with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with a potentially higher ceiling.