As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr faces the intricate task of defining a consistent starting lineup. With numerous positions up for grabs, the training camp emerges as a crucial battleground for several players vying to establish their presence on the court.
Uncertainty surrounds the shooting guard spot, a position long held by Klay Thompson, who was instrumental for the Warriors' perimeter offense. "The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well," said Kerr. "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: A Key Battle
The contest for the center position is particularly gripping, with Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis both making strong cases. Kerr’s evaluation process aims to distill the best combination that will anchor both their interior defense and rebounding. Additionally, Kyle Anderson remains an option for a small-ball center role, reminding everyone of the strategic versatility Kerr can leverage.
For the frontcourt, Draymond Green's retention appears to be a foregone conclusion, providing the team with defensive prowess and vocal leadership. Yet, the small forward position is still up for grabs, with Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins each showcasing their skills to secure a starting role.
Guard Competitions Heating Up
The drama doesn't end in the frontcourt; the backcourt also has its share of narratives. Stephen Curry, unsurprisingly, is the cornerstone at point guard. "We know that Steph is the 1. But what's the combination?" Kerr mused. The shooting guard position, however, features a heated competition among Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Each player brings a unique style to the table, complicating the decision-making process.
Reflecting on last season, the Warriors utilized 27 different starting lineups, signaling a need for more stability this year. Thompson's role as a high-volume 3-point shooter saw him attempting eight to ten shots per game from beyond the arc. "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 declared, emphasizing the need for consistent perimeter threats.
A New Beginning
One can sense a different air about the team this year. "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 observed. The Warriors, renowned for their championship pedigree, understand that reinvention isn’t just a choice; it's a necessity in a constantly evolving league.
Veteran Insights
Stephen Curry, who has seen the team through its highs and lows, acknowledges the complexity but remains optimistic. "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,” Curry said. “You've got Buddy who can shoot, who spaces the floor, and is a veteran. We've got a lot of options."
Kerr also recognizes the competitive atmosphere as an opportunity rather than a challenge. "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 concluded.
Indeed, competition will be at the forefront as the Warriors look to carve out their new identity. The battles across positions, from the center to the shooting guard spot, will not only set the tone for early-season dynamics but also highlight the adaptability of a team aiming for yet another title run. With the right blend of strategy, effort, and cohesion, the Warriors hope to rise above the uncertainty and emerge as formidable contenders once again.