Steve Kerr Reveals Warriors Player Expected to Play More Minutes

The Golden State Warriors, a franchise defined by their high-octane offense, three-point shooting, and emphasis on team play, have had to navigate several challenges in recent seasons, from injuries to roster changes. As one of the NBA’s most successful teams of the 2010s, the Warriors have a lot of expectations surrounding them each season. But in 2025, head coach Steve Kerr is facing a different set of dynamics, particularly regarding player roles and minutes distribution.

In an interview earlier this month, Steve Kerr made an important announcement regarding the team’s rotation and how certain players are expected to take on more responsibility. He specifically mentioned that one player, in particular, is slated to see an increased role, which is crucial for both the team’s long-term success and their immediate goals.

The Changing Landscape of the Warriors

The 2024-2025 season has been a bit of a transition period for the Warriors. While veterans like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson remain cornerstones of the franchise, the Warriors are looking to balance the blend of experience with the potential of their younger talent. This has required Kerr to make some difficult decisions regarding minutes, especially as they navigate the intensity of the NBA regular season and work towards another championship run.

Kerr has long been known for his adaptive coaching style and for being flexible with his rotations, allowing his players to thrive in different roles depending on matchups and performance. With the Warriors currently sitting in the middle of a highly competitive Western Conference, Kerr knows that every game counts. This means that the way the Warriors distribute minutes across the roster will be crucial.

The Player Set for More Minutes

While Kerr did not specify the player by name in his initial remarks, the speculation around who would see an increase in minutes was almost immediate. Given the Warriors’ current roster, a few candidates immediately come to mind:

1. Moses Moody – The young guard has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Warriors, especially when given the opportunity to start or play extended minutes. Moody has a great defensive presence and has worked tirelessly on his offensive game, including his three-point shooting, to fit into the Warriors’ system.
2. Jonathan Kuminga – The athletic forward is one of the most promising young players on the roster. While he has shown significant growth, especially on the defensive end, his offensive game is still developing. Kuminga’s raw talent and versatility could make him a key part of the Warriors’ future. Kerr could lean on Kuminga to give him more minutes, particularly as the team focuses on his development.
3. Kevon Looney – The heart and soul of the Warriors’ defense, Looney has been a steady presence for Golden State, especially in the postseason. However, there is always room for more minutes for a player who is so integral to the team’s interior defense and rebounding. If Kerr is looking to increase the Warriors’ focus on defense, Looney could be a player who is asked to contribute more.
4. Chris Paul – The addition of Chris Paul to the Warriors’ roster brought a veteran point guard with a wealth of playoff experience and a high basketball IQ. With Curry, Green, and Thompson all carrying heavy minutes in previous seasons, Paul’s ability to facilitate offense could help alleviate the workload of the established stars. Kerr could choose to play him more minutes in order to keep the team’s offense flowing smoothly.

However, based on Kerr’s statements and the team’s needs, one player who stands out as likely to see an increase in minutes is Moses Moody. Kerr specifically pointed to the need for more depth in the Warriors’ bench scoring and a bigger contribution from the younger players, and Moody fits that mold perfectly.

Moses Moody: A Rising Star

Moses Moody, who was drafted by the Warriors with the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has been a player whose potential has slowly but surely started to materialize. His defensive prowess has been one of his standout qualities, and he is regarded as one of the better perimeter defenders on the team. More than just his defense, Moody’s ability to shoot from distance fits perfectly into the Warriors’ three-point-heavy offense.

Over the course of his first few seasons, Moody has had to adjust to a team that has championship aspirations every year. The Warriors’ system is designed for ball movement, spacing, and creating open shots, and it can take time for a young player to fully adjust. But over time, he has become more comfortable within the Warriors’ offense, showing flashes of what he can do when given consistent minutes.

Steve Kerr has been particularly impressed by Moody’s work ethic, and his ability to maintain a positive attitude while waiting for opportunities. Kerr has emphasized that player development is key to long-term success, and Moody is a product of that philosophy. By giving him more minutes, Kerr is not only investing in the present but also securing the team’s future by allowing their younger talent to grow and contribute.

The Impact of Increased Minutes

As Kerr moves forward with this decision, the increase in minutes for Moses Moody could have several important effects on both the team and the player himself.

1. Boosting Team Depth: The Warriors have always prided themselves on their depth. With the rise of younger players like Moody, they could see an improved bench unit, which would take some pressure off the team’s veterans. For a squad that has leaned heavily on the likes of Curry, Thompson, and Green for much of its success, an improved bench and increased scoring from younger players would be invaluable, especially during the grind of the regular season and the playoffs.

2. Defensive Versatility: One of the reasons Moses Moody stands out as a potential candidate for more minutes is his defense. With the Warriors’ system often focusing on high-scoring games, there has been an increasing emphasis on defense, particularly in the postseason. Moody has proven himself as a capable defender on the perimeter and could be crucial in guarding opposing teams’ best scorers, particularly during crunch time in tight games.

3. Offensive Production: While Moody is known for his defense, his offensive game has taken a step forward this season. His shooting has become more consistent, and he is beginning to show more confidence in attacking the basket. As the Warriors look to balance their offense, an increased role for Moody could provide a much-needed spark. In a season where the team is focused on getting back to title contention, adding a reliable scorer off the bench is critical.

4. Player Development: For Moody himself, the increase in minutes represents a huge opportunity for growth. The more time he spends on the floor, the better his understanding of the Warriors’ system becomes, and the more comfortable he gets in high-pressure situations. At just 22 years old, this is a vital point in his career, and more minutes could accelerate his development, especially with an eye toward the future.

5. Balancing Veteran Minutes: Increased minutes for a younger player like Moody can also help Kerr manage the minutes of his veterans. As Curry, Thompson, and Green age, Kerr will want to preserve their energy for the postseason. Having players like Moody who can step up in the regular season helps the team maintain its championship aspirations while keeping the veterans fresh.

Kerr’s Coaching Philosophy

Steve Kerr’s philosophy has always centered around flexibility and adaptation. While his team is built around the talents of his veteran stars, Kerr is always looking for ways to evolve. The increased minutes for Moody align with this idea. By giving more time to younger players, Kerr is not only allowing them to develop but is also giving the Warriors a fresh dynamic that can be used to their advantage, both offensively and defensively.

Kerr’s coaching has always been about trust in his players, and by giving Moody more minutes, he is signaling his faith in the young guard’s ability to contribute to a championship-caliber team. As the season progresses, Kerr will continue to assess how these increased minutes impact the team’s performance and whether further adjustments are necessary.