As the Golden State Warriors embark on the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr has the intricate task of establishing a consistent and effective starting lineup. With several key positions up for grabs, the Warriors are in the midst of a rigorous evaluation process during their training camp aimed at ensuring the best combination of players for both their starting five and bench rotations.
A Competitive Training Camp
The Warriors face notable uncertainty, particularly surrounding the shooting guard spot previously held by Klay Thompson. Kerr underscored the complexity of the situation: "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?"
In addition to the shooting guard dilemma, Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are vying for the center position, while Draymond Green is expected to retain his spot. Furthermore, Kyle Anderson offers a versatile option for small-ball center duties.
Frontcourt Battles
In the frontcourt, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are competing for a critical spot. Kerr has emphasized the importance of this balance: "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."
Shooting Guard Showdown
The competition for the shooting guard position features Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Kerr's strategy includes maximizing the Warriors' three-point shooting capability, a strength they displayed by ranking fourth in the league for 3-point attempts last season. "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, highlighting his philosophy.
Stephen Curry, the only player assured of his starting position, also acknowledges the wealth of options at the team's disposal: "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."
A Season of reinvention
Amidst the competition, Kerr views this season as an opportunity for reinvention. "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 remarked. The sheer variety of talent on the roster presents both a challenge and an opportunity to carve out a new identity.
The Challenge Ahead
Last season, the Warriors utilized 27 different starting lineups, a testament to their struggles with consistency and injuries. Kerr is keen on establishing more stability this year, even though the lineup decisions remain fluid. He admitted, "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."
With the regular season approaching, the Warriors' training camp efforts will be crucial in forming a cohesive unit. The team's ability to integrate their new pieces and adapt to a high-volume shooting approach will determine their success. As Kerr and his coaching staff sift through the various lineup possibilities, the Warriors’ fanbase remains cautiously optimistic about what the new-look team can achieve.