As the Golden State Warriors embark on the 2023-24 season, they find themselves navigating through a period of transition. Head coach Steve Kerr confronts the complex task of establishing a consistent starting lineup. This challenge is compounded by several uncertainties, particularly regarding the shooting guard position, which was previously occupied by Klay Thompson.
Kerr’s mission is crystal clear: find the right combination of players who can coalesce on both the starting unit and the bench. Speaking at training camp, Kerr emphasized the importance of this task, stating, "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."
Position Battles Heat Up
With training camp in full swing, several key battles are underway. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are competing for the center position, while Draymond Green is poised to retain his spot. Kyle Anderson emerges as a versatile option for small-ball center duties. In the frontcourt, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are vying for a coveted spot.
The competition is equally fierce at the shooting guard position. Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield are all in contention, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Kerr acknowledged the complexity of these decisions, noting, "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?"
Stephen Curry’s Role
Despite the upheaval, one key player’s role remains unchanged: Stephen Curry. The star point guard is assured of his starting position, serving as the linchpin for Kerr’s evolving lineup. Curry also weighed in on the team’s prospective strategies, explaining, "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."
The Warriors are building on a solid foundation from last season, in which they employed 27 different starting lineups and secured the fourth spot in the league for 3-point attempts. With Klay Thompson previously taking eight to ten 3-point shots per game, Kerr is keen on maintaining that high volume approach. "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 asserted.
A New Chapter
As the Warriors train, there is a palpable sense of renewal and opportunity. Kerr encapsulated this sentiment, saying, "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."
For Kerr, the uncertainties and competitions bring an unexpected advantage. "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 suggested. This focus on competition reflects a broader strategy to forge a resilient and adaptable team identity moving forward.
As the Golden State Warriors continue to shape their squad, the battles in training camp will undoubtedly define their early success this season. Kerr’s strategic evaluations and the players’ relentless competition promise to make this a transformative chapter in Warriors history.