As the Golden State Warriors tip off the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr faces one of his most intricate challenges yet: establishing a consistent and effective starting lineup. The previous season saw the Warriors using 27 different starting lineups, an inconsistency Kerr aims to rectify this year.
"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," Kerr commented. This underscores the complexity of melding together a roster filled with both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Guard Spots: Who Fills Klay Thompson's Shoes?
One of the biggest uncertainties lies in the shooting guard position, a role previously held by Klay Thompson. With Thompson's prolific 3-point shooting, consistently taking eight to ten attempts per game, filling this gap is crucial for the Warriors' offensive strategy.
Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield are all in the mix to step into this pivotal role. Their competition during training camp will be key to determining who can seamlessly integrate into the Warriors' starting five and provide the perimeter shooting the team relies on. Kerr has expressed his desire for a high-volume shooting team, saying, "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."
Center Stage: Looney vs. Jackson-Davis
In the center position, a fierce competition is unfolding between Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Both players bring unique skills and attributes, making Kerr's decision even more challenging. Additionally, Kyle Anderson's versatility as a potential small-ball center adds another layer to this complex puzzle.
Frontcourt Dynamics
On the frontcourt, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are vying for a spot. Wiggins, known for his athleticism and shooting, is a strong contender. Kerr emphasized the importance of shooting across positions to maintain offensive spacing. "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," said Stephen Curry, highlighting the depth and versatility the Warriors have at their disposal.
Core Stability Amid Change
While many positions are up for grabs, Stephen Curry remains the constant, assured of his starting position. Draymond Green is also likely to retain his role, providing a stable core around which Kerr can build his lineups. Kerr's strategy through training camp involves looking not just at individual performances but how well these players can synergize both in the starting unit and coming off the bench.
"There is competition across the board. 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?" Kerr added, reflecting on the need for a holistic approach to lineup construction.
A New Beginning
The upcoming season feels like a fresh start for the Warriors, a sentiment that Kerr himself has echoed. "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," he noted. With the injection of new talent and the reconfiguration of existing roles, the team has an opportunity to redefine its identity.
Kerr's challenge is formidable but turning these uncertainties into competitive advantages could be the key to success. "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," Kerr concluded.
As training camp progresses and the opening games of the season unfold, all eyes will be on how Kerr's strategic choices shape the Warriors' quest for another championship run. The mix of proven stars and emerging talents offers a wealth of possibilities, and if history is any guide, the Golden State Warriors will be a team to watch.