As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr is tasked with assembling a starting lineup that can bring consistency and victory to a team rich in talent but currently searching for the right combination of players.
One of the main challenges is deciding who will fill the shooting guard position, a spot previously dominated by Klay Thompson. With Thompson no longer a sure bet for the starting role, Kerr is evaluating Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield for the crucial vacancy. "I want Wigs shooting six, seven 3s. I want Brandin, I want Moses, I want De'Anthony -- I want to be a high-volume shooting team," Kerr stated, emphasizing the necessity for accuracy from beyond the arc.
Center of Attention
The competition extends beyond the shooting guard role. Kerr needs to determine who will anchor the team at center. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are in a spirited battle for this position. Draymond Green, an indispensable part of the Warriors' fabric, is likely to secure his slot, possibly taking on small-ball center duties alongside Kyle Anderson, who also offers versatility.
Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are in contention for a frontcourt role, making Kerr's decision even more multifaceted. "The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well. We've got a lot of work to do to figure out lineups. All the guys can do is compete, play their ass off," said Kerr, outlining the challenge ahead.
Establishing a Consistent Rotation
The Warriors' rotation in the previous season saw a staggering 27 different starting lineups. This inconsistency may have contributed to turbulent stretches during their campaign. As they ranked fourth in the league for 3-point attempts last season, the quest for the most effective blend of shooters and defenders becomes paramount. Kerr recognizes the gravity of these lineup choices, remarking, "It's easier when you know your starting five and you know your first four guys off of the bench. Way easier as a coach knowing that. But we don't have that. So let's turn that into a positive and turn it into competition ... let's establish our identity out of that competition."
One certainty lies in Stephen Curry, whose place as the starting point guard is assured. His leadership and shooting prowess remain pivotal to the Warriors' strategy. "You've got a guy who's a connector and can put the ball on the floor, create like BP, and obviously me and BP started a couple times last year. You've got Buddy who can shoot, who spaces the floor, and is a veteran. We've got a lot of options," Curry reflected, appreciating the variety but also highlighting the need for clarity.
Looking for a New Identity
The sentiment around the Warriors' camp is one of renewal and reinvention. "This feels like a new beginning for us, whereas last year felt like an extension of who we already were. It gives us a chance to reinvent ourselves a little bit," Kerr noted, indicating a shift in mindset and approach. This fresh perspective may be the catalyst for unlocking the full potential of an already formidable squad.
As training camp intensifies, the Warriors are poised to capitalize on the competitive spirit within the team. With clear objectives and rigorous evaluations set by Kerr and his coaching staff, the right combination of talent will eventually emerge, solidifying both the starting unit and the bench.
Indeed, the journey to regular-season success begins long before opening night. In the Warriors' case, it starts with finding the perfect balance, leveraging the competitive nature of their roster, and molding an identity that can power them through an unpredictable season.