As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr faces a crucial challenge: establishing a consistent starting lineup. With multiple positions unsettled, most notably the shooting guard spot previously occupied by Klay Thompson, Kerr's decisions during training camp will be pivotal.
The Warriors, known for their dynamic and high-scoring play, experimented significantly with their lineups last season, deploying 27 different starting configurations. Despite this inconsistency, they managed to secure the fourth spot in the league for three-point attempts. Maintaining their status as a fearsome perimeter shooting team is a clear priority for Kerr.
A Clash for Positions
The uncertainty isn't limited to one position. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are vying for the starting center role. Meanwhile, Draymond Green’s place in the lineup seems secure, providing the team stability with his defensive prowess and leadership. Adding to the mix, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are locked in competition for a frontcourt spot, while Kyle Anderson offers versatility as a potential small-ball center.
But perhaps the most intense competition is for the shooting guard position. Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield each bring unique strengths to the table. Hield, known for his sharpshooting, could provide the spacing once offered by Thompson, who historically took eight to ten three-point shots per game. Podziemski and Melton, on the other hand, bring different dimensions that Kerr might find equally valuable.
Curry's Role Remains Solid
While much of the lineup remains in flux, one position is without question: Stephen Curry is assured of his starting spot. His role as the cornerstone of the Warriors' offense is unquestionable, but even Curry acknowledges the complexity of forming a cohesive lineup. "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 remarked.
Kerr's Strategic Evaluation
For Kerr, the pre-season is crucial for evaluating how different players mesh. His strategic focus is not just on the individual talent but also on how the right combination of players can coalesce for both the starting unit and the bench. "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 said.
Kerr’s emphasis on competition is reflective of his broader philosophy. "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?" he noted, highlighting the complexity of forming a balanced and effective team.
A New Beginning
Despite the challenges, Kerr views this season as an opportunity for the Warriors to redefine themselves. "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 stated, underscoring his optimistic outlook.
As training camp progresses, Kerr's ability to refine and finalize a cohesive, competitive lineup will be essential. "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 emphasized, revealing his vision for the team's offensive strategies.
However, Kerr acknowledges the inherent difficulty in not having an established lineup. "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 emphasized.
As the Warriors navigate this period of adjustment, the combination of seasoned veterans and emerging talent holds the promise of a dynamic and thrilling season ahead. Kerr’s strategic acumen and the players' ability to rise to the competition will be pivotal in shaping the Warriors' journey this season.