As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr finds himself in the familiar yet challenging position of cementing a consistent starting lineup. With the departure of key players and the inclusion of new faces, Kerr's strategic acumen will be put to the test in the coming training camp.
Uncertainty in the Lineup
The most notable uncertainty lies in the shooting guard position, previously held by veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Questions surrounding who will step into Thompson's formidable shoes are pivotal for the Warriors as they seek to establish their rhythm early in the season. Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield are all vying for the coveted spot. Coach Kerr has acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, "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?"
Frontcourt Battles
Beyond the shooting guard position, other battles are brewing in the Warriors' frontcourt. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are competing for the center role, while Draymond Green is expected to retain his spot in the lineup. Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are both making strong cases for their inclusion in the frontcourt, making Kerr's decision all the more difficult. Not to be overlooked, Kyle Anderson remains an option for small-ball center duties, depending on the matchups throughout the season.
The Stephen Curry Assurance
An anchor in the storm of uncertainties remains in Stephen Curry, whose position as the starting point guard is resolute. Curry's leadership and on-court prowess provide a foundation upon which the rest of the team can build. As Kerr puts it, "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 Philosophy
Last season, the Warriors cemented their reputation as a high volume three-point shooting team, finishing fourth in the league for three-point attempts. Klay Thompson alone contributed eight to ten three-point shots per game. Kerr is keen to maintain this shooting philosophy, as he emphasized, "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." This approach will likely be instrumental in determining who secures the starting shooting guard role and other perimeter positions.
A New Chapter
As the Warriors navigate these lineup decisions, there is a sense of a new beginning within the organization. "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 reflected. This sentiment is echoed by players and coaches alike, who see this as an opportunity to revitalize their identity and establish new team dynamics.
Preparing for Competition
The challenge of determining a cohesive lineup extends beyond just the starters. The depth of the bench will also be critical in providing the necessary support throughout the demanding season. Kerr is aware of this, recognizing the advantages of healthy competition. "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 asserted.
With 27 different starting lineups used last season, the task at hand is a formidable one. However, the potential for a well-rounded and competitive team is within reach, thanks to the Warriors' depth and the guiding hand of their experienced coaching staff. The coming weeks of training camp will be crucial for Kerr to evaluate and implement the right combination of players to steer the Warriors back to their championship aspirations.