As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 season, head coach Steve Kerr is faced with the challenging task of establishing a consistent starting lineup. The departure of Klay Thompson from the shooting guard spot has left a significant void, creating uncertainty around multiple positions on the court.
Throughout the preseason, Kerr has emphasized the importance of finding the right combination of players to ensure both the starting unit and the bench coalesce effectively. "The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well," Kerr explained. "We've got a lot of work to do to figure out lineups. All the guys can do is compete, play their ass off."
Center Position Battle
The center position is proving to be one of the most hotly contested spots, with Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis vying for the starting role. Additionally, Kyle Anderson presents an intriguing option for small-ball center duties, adding another layer of complexity to Kerr’s decision-making process.
The frontcourt competition extends beyond the center position. Draymond Green is expected to retain his starting role, but Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are both making strong cases for a spot in the lineup. "There is competition across the board," Kerr noted. "It’s not as simple as, 'Who is going to be the 2?' It's got to be -- 'Who is going to be the 5? Who's the 4?' We know that Steph is the 1. But what's the combination?"
Shooting Guard Dilemma
The shooting guard position has several contenders, including Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Their performances in training camp will be critical in determining who will fill the shoes left by Thompson. "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," said Kerr, underscoring the team’s commitment to maintaining its 3-point scoring prowess.
Stephen Curry, whose position as the starting point guard is assured, echoed a similar sentiment. "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."
Aiming for Reinvention
Last season, the Warriors used 27 different starting lineups, an indication of the volatility that can come with frequent changes. Kerr’s aim is to stabilize the lineup not just for consistency but also for devising strategic matchups that might exploit opponents’ weaknesses. The Warriors ended last season fourth in the league for 3-point attempts, and Kerr aims to sustain this high volume of shots even in Thompson's absence. "Klay previously took eight to ten 3-point shots per game. We need to fill that gap," Kerr commented.
While the uncertainties pose challenges, they also present opportunities for the team to redefine itself. "This feels like a new beginning for us, whereas last year felt like an extension of who we already were," Kerr observed. "It gives us a chance to reinvent ourselves a little bit."
Rather than seeing the roster decisions as burdensome, Kerr views them as a pathway to establish a renewed team identity. "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," he stated.
As the Warriors navigate these lineup decisions, the goal will be to harness the inherent competition to fuel their performance on the court. Training camp will serve as the crucible out of which the Warriors' new starting lineup will emerge, ideally stronger and more cohesive than before. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Warriors look to embark on a season of reinvention and excellence.