Outside of the top five or six players, the 2021 NBA Draft is wide open. There is a stack of players that will be available and are worthy of selecting when the Kings are on the clock at the No. 9 overall pick.
One of the players that is gaining buzz around Sacramento is Arkansas wing Moses Moody, who not only fits positionally with the Kings’ current roster, but also brings the length and defensive acumen the team is looking for.
Moody has visited Sacramento during the pre-draft process and spoke glowingly about the experience during Friday’s prospect media session.
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"I got a good feel for the people, the organization, the front office and I got to see the facilities,” Moody said. “I feel like they have a really good young team. They have a lot of potential and could really grow into something special."
Moody seemed well versed with the Kings’ roster, rattling off how he would fit with De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Marvin Bagley.
“Whether it’s shooting or just being versatile and helping the team win, I feel like I could be a good piece to add to that program,” Moody said.
Standing 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Moody has the length and ability to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions. Early in his career, he’ll be more of a 3-and-D specialist, but as the 19-year-old matures, there is potential for more.
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“Foundation-wise, I’m a shooter, that’s what I’ve been, that’s what I do,” Moody said. “I can defend on the other side of the ball. I’m a good team guy. I can knock down shots, I can create shots, play in the mid-range, get to the rim and create shots for other people.”
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On the downside, Moody just turned 19 at the end of May and he will take time to both grow into his body and his game. For a team like Sacramento that is anxious to get back to the playoffs, the Kings will need to show patience.
“There’s going to be a lot of growing, a lot of learning I have to do in the beginning, but I’m willing to do it,” Moody said.
Despite his age, Moody still managed to average 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for the Razorbacks this season. He shot 42.7 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from 3-point range as a true freshman.
Moody's shooting numbers are slightly low overall, but he was the No. 1 scoring option at Arkansas and the focal point of opposing defenses.
His 81.2 percent free throw shooting mark is a good sign for his overall shooting ability and the fact that he averaged 5.8 attempts at the line per game speaks to his aggressive approach on the offensive end.
Rarely is there a perfect prospect for a team, but Moody checks a lot of boxes for a team that is looking to improve defensively and could use additional floor spacers. If Moody makes it to No. 9, he is likely on a shortlist of prospects that the Kings will consider.