The Golden State Warriors’ 2023-24 NBA season comes with a significant challenge for head coach Steve Kerr: establishing a consistent and effective starting lineup. With multiple positions up for grabs, Kerr faces a task that will require strategic evaluation and a thorough analysis of player performance throughout training camp.
Shooting Guard Conundrum
One of the most notable uncertainties is the shooting guard spot, a position that Klay Thompson previously dominated. As Kerr stated, "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 environment laid out in training camp, where players like Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield vie for the coveted position.
Frontcourt and Center Positions
The competition doesn’t stop at shooting guard. The Warriors see a fierce battle for the center position between Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis. Draymond Green, a staple in the lineup, is likely to retain his role, while Kyle Anderson surfaces as an option for small-ball center duties.
Adding to the mix, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are both in contention for a frontcourt spot. As Kerr elaborated, "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?" The implication is clear: the most effective lineup will hinge on the interplay and cohesion among players in various positions.
Stephen Curry’s Stability
One constant in this sea of variables is Stephen Curry. Assured of his starting position, Curry's role remains a bedrock of the team’s strategy. Kerr’s approach emphasizes a high-volume shooting game, a vision he articulated: "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."
Team Dynamics
The Warriors experienced significant variability in their roster last season, utilizing 27 different starting lineups. This stat alone indicates the challenges Kerr faces in finding a settled configuration. However, Kerr sees this as an opportunity to forge a new identity for the team. "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."
This reinventive spirit is echoed by Curry, who acknowledges the depth of options at his 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."
Winning Combination
Kerr aims to strike the right balance between starters and bench players, crafting a cohesive unit capable of performing consistently at an elite level. "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," Kerr emphasized.
As the Warriors gear up for the season, the competitive edges and positional battles offer both excitement and the promise of a fresh start. While uncertainties loom, the strategic approach employed by Kerr and the collective talent of the roster promise an engaging and dynamic season for the Warriors and their fans.