Moses Moody's Comeback Trail: Targeting September Return After Patellar Tendon Tear
Moses Moody is setting his sights on September for a full return to running and basketball drills as he continues his recovery journey from a significant left patellar tendon tear. This injury cut short his 2025-26 NBA campaign, as detailed in a report by Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.
Moody has been diligently undergoing rehabilitation in the Bay Area since suffering the non-contact injury on March 23. This unfortunate event occurred late in the Warriors' thrilling 137-131 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks, with subsequent medical evaluations confirming the severity of the tear and the need for an extended recovery period. The Warriors are heavily relying on the eventual returns of both Moody and Jimmy Butler to bolster their perimeter rotation. Butler's torn ACL in January means he is also set to miss a substantial part of the upcoming 2026-27 season, intensifying the offensive responsibilities on star player Stephen Curry early in the year.
Prior to his injury, Moody was experiencing a breakout season, showcasing the best performance of his professional career. The 24-year-old was averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 60 games, with impressive shooting percentages of 44.0% from the field and 40.1% from beyond the arc. His growth into a dependable perimeter shooter had become a vital component of Golden State's strategy, with his 2.5 made three-pointers per game ranking among the team's top figures and his 6.3 three-point attempts indicating an expanded offensive role. The former 14th overall draft pick also became a consistent starter, with 49 starts in 60 appearances, averaging a career-high 25.7 minutes per game—a testament to the increased responsibility the team had gradually built for him over several seasons. The Golden State Warriors concluded the 2025-26 regular season with a 37-45 record, securing the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference and a Play-In Tournament spot. However, injuries, including Curry missing games and Butler's limited 38 appearances, hindered their consistency and ultimately led to them missing the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, Curry remained a central figure, averaging 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 43 games, with shooting splits of 46.8% from the field and 39.3% from three. The team's offseason strategy has prioritized retaining its core of Curry, Green, Butler, and Kristaps Porzingis, while also adding rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg as the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This approach indicates a reliance on internal development and improved health rather than significant roster overhauls.
The journey of recovery for athletes like Moses Moody exemplifies remarkable resilience and dedication. His focused rehabilitation and the team's commitment to supporting their talent through adversity highlight the values of perseverance and collective strength in professional sports. As Moody works towards his September return, his story serves as an inspiring reminder that dedication and a positive mindset can overcome even the most challenging obstacles, fostering hope for a triumphant comeback and contributing to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.