As the Golden State Warriors embark on the 2023-24 season, head coach Steve Kerr faces the critical task of establishing a consistent starting lineup. This challenge is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding several key positions, particularly the shooting guard spot previously held by Klay Thompson.
The offseason has brought both competition and questions. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are in a fierce battle for the center position. Looney, whose defensive prowess and rebounding skills have been invaluable to the Warriors, faces a stiff challenge from the promising Jackson-Davis, who is eager to prove himself during training camp. Concurrently, veteran Draymond Green is poised to retain his position, providing stability and leadership on the court.
Moreover, Kyle Anderson emerges as a versatile option for small-ball center duties, adding another layer of strategic depth to Kerr’s playbook. The frontcourt competition intensifies with Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins vying for a starting spot. Both players bring different skill sets to the table, with Kuminga's raw athleticism and potential offsetting Wiggins' experience and scoring ability.
The shooting guard position, left vacant by Klay Thompson, has become a focal point of the Warriors' preseason evaluation. Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield are all competing to fill this crucial role. Kerr's strategy during training camp involves meticulous assessment to ensure the optimal combination of players not just for the starters, but for the bench as well.
Stephen Curry, the undisputed leader of the team, is assured of his starting position. Reflecting on the lineup dynamics, Kerr commented, "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." This sentiment underscores the competitive atmosphere within the Warriors camp.
The Warriors' coaching staff is well aware that the lineup cannot simply be about individual talent. "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?" Kerr elaborated. This holistic approach highlights the complexity of Kerr's task in configuring the most effective lineup to balance both offense and defense.
Last season, the Warriors experimented with 27 different starting lineups, a testament to their ongoing search for the perfect synergy on the court. Their commitment to high-volume shooting remains steadfast, having secured the fourth spot in the league for 3-point attempts last season. With Thompson previously taking eight to ten 3-point shots per game, his absence leaves big shoes to fill. Kerr desires a similar output from his shooters this season, indicating, "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."
Stephen Curry echoed the potential he sees in his teammates: "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’s optimism reflects the depth and versatility of the Warriors' roster, emphasizing the healthy competition within the squad.
With the new season on the horizon, Kerr views this time 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 mentioned. This fresh start offers the Warriors a chance to build a new identity based on the intense competition and the integration of new and old players alike.
The path to establishing a cohesive and effective lineup is rarely straightforward. Kerr acknowledged, "It's easier when you know your starting five and you know your first four guys off 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."
As the Warriors navigate through training camp, the battles for starting positions are set to shape the team's identity for the upcoming season. It's an exciting yet challenging period for both the coaching staff and players, all aiming to come together cohesively in pursuit of another successful season. The Warriors' journey to refine their lineup and strategy will be pivotal as they strive to reclaim their dominance in the league.