The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for the 2023-24 NBA season with head coach Steve Kerr facing a significant challenge: determining a consistent starting lineup. The off-season has brought uncertainty, particularly with the shooting guard position, which was previously a staple for Klay Thompson.
As training camp progresses, Kerr’s primary objective is to find the right mix of players for both the starting and bench units. "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 emphasized.
Center Stage Competition
One of the key battles to watch is the competition for the center position. Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis are in contention to anchor the middle. Looney, known for his defensive prowess and rebounding, will be tested by the young and promising Jackson-Davis. Additionally, the versatile Kyle Anderson has been mentioned as an option for small-ball center duties, providing Kerr with various rotational strategies.
Draymond Green appears to be a fixture in the lineup, bringing his defensive versatility and leadership to the forecourt. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are vying for their places in the frontcourt, adding another layer of intrigue to the Warriors' roster decisions.
Shooting Guard Scenarios
The shooting guard spot has multiple contenders this season. Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and sharpshooter Buddy Hield are all competing to fill the void left by Thompson. This position is particularly crucial given the Warriors' offensive scheme, which relies heavily on 3-point shooting. Last season, the Warriors were fourth in the league for 3-point attempts, with Thompson averaging eight to ten shots from beyond the arc per game.
The Stephen Curry Constant
One position that holds no mystery is the point guard spot, secured by none other than Stephen Curry. The Warriors' offensive dynamo continues to be the focal point of Kerr’s lineup strategies. Curry’s endorsement of his potential backcourt partners highlights the strategic depth the team is embracing. "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 noted.
The competition is palpable across the roster. As Kerr pointed out, "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?"
Shooting Philosophy
With Kerr’s intent to maintain a high-volume shooting team, the emphasis on finding the right mix at the shooting guard position has never been more critical. "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.
A New Chapter
Entering this season feels like a fresh start for the Warriors. As Kerr reflected, "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." That reinvention includes melding experienced players with emerging talents, all while fostering a competitive environment.
The Warriors' numerous lineup rotations from the previous season—27 in total—underscore the significance of establishing a reliable lineup this year. Settling on a definitive starting five and a consistent bench rotation remains the crucial challenge ahead. "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 explained.
As the training camp unfolds and preseason games loom, the Warriors face both opportunities and challenges in sculpting their roster. The battle for starting positions will undoubtedly shape the chemistry and success of a team aiming to reclaim its glory in the NBA.