Kerr Faces Lineup Dilemma as Warriors Start New Season
As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr finds himself in a familiar yet ever-evolving challenge: establishing a consistent starting lineup. Despite the solid presence of Stephen Curry, who is assured of his starting position, the rest of the lineup is subject to intense competition and strategic evaluation.
One of the most intriguing uncertainties revolves around the shooting guard spot, a position previously held by Klay Thompson. Kerr has noted the difficulty of not just determining who will fill the '2' position but also ensuring the entire team's roster functions effectively. "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," said Kerr.
This competitive spirit extends across the board. At center, Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are battling for the starting role, while Draymond Green is likely to retain his spot, given his pivotal role in the team. The small-ball center duties might see the versatile Kyle Anderson stepping in, adding another layer of complexity to Kerr's decisions.
Kerr's strategic consideration is not confined to the center and shooting guard positions. Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are in a face-off for a frontcourt spot, creating additional puzzle pieces for Kerr to fit together.
The shooting guard competition is particularly fierce, with Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield all vying for the role. Kerr's inclination toward a high-volume shooting game underscores the importance of this position. "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 emphasized.
Stephen Curry echoed these sentiments, highlighting the diversity in skill sets each player brings to the table. "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 said.
While the Warriors' lineup may still be in flux, it isn't entirely a disadvantage. Last season, the Warriors utilized 27 different starting lineups, a testament to the team's depth and adaptability. The team also ranked fourth in the league for 3-point attempts, with Klay Thompson contributing between eight to ten 3-point attempts per game.
Amidst these uncertainties and competitions, Kerr sees an opportunity for reinvention and growth. "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 remarked.
Yet, Kerr concedes that having a set lineup would simplify his coaching responsibilities. "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 said.
The Warriors' coaching staff is focused on evaluating the players' performances throughout the training camp to ensure that the best combinations emerge for both starting positions and the bench. This strategy aims not only to maintain team cohesion but also to maximize their on-court success as a cohesive unit.
As the season progresses, Kerr's decisions on player roles and rotations will undoubtedly attract scrutiny. However, the underlying factor that remains constant is the Warriors’ commitment to competition and excellence.
With veterans and new talent alike pushing hard, the Warriors’ journey through the 2023-24 season promises to be one filled with strategic challenges and exciting basketball.