SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors have endured a nightmarish campaign. Several key players have missed extended time with injuries. Warriors guard Moses Moody is the latest casualty. He will miss significant time after tearing his left patellar tendon against the Dallas Mavericks.
Warriors’ Steve Kerr Reveals Positive Twist In Moses Moody Injury Update
Steve Kerr Provides Encouraging Update
On Tuesday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provided a positive update on Moses Moody’s injury. He spoke during a radio interview on 95.7 The Game. Kerr said imaging results showed no cartilage or bone damage. Moody still requires season-ending surgery.
“The MRI was clean. It’s the tendon. No damage to cartilage or bone, so that’s the good news,” Kerr said. “That allows it to be a pretty basic surgery.”
This update means the tear is isolated. There are no fractures, cartilage defects, or ligament involvement. This is the cleanest version of this injury biomechanically. Still, the injury could have long-term effects. The tendon is essential for force transmission in jumping and sprinting.
Moody’s Breakout Season Cut Short
The 23-year-old was playing some of the best basketball of his career. His two-way activity had become increasingly valuable as Golden State relied on him during a tight Western Conference playoff race.
Through 60 games, the Arkansas Razorbacks alum averaged career highs of 12 points, three rebounds, and one steal. Moody became a legitimate threat from behind the arc. He posted career highs in volume at 6.3 attempts per game while shooting 40.1 percent from three.
Moody finishes the season third on the Warriors in estimated plus-minus. He posted a +2.2, ranking in the 89th percentile. Only Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III rank above him.
Long-Term Outlook and Recovery Timeline
This injury will be a huge loss for Golden State. The team remains in 10th in a tightly contested play-in race. For Moody, the injury could affect his vertical explosiveness which uneven tendon recovery can cause.
The tendon stores elastic energy during sprinting and jumping. During healing, it loses some stiffness and strength. Moody and the Warriors’ medical staff need to rebuild strength and proper stiffness in his left tendon to avoid losing explosiveness. Barring setbacks or complications, Moody should return to the rotation in about a year.
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