As the 2023-24 NBA season kicks off, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a strategic crossroads. Veteran head coach Steve Kerr faces a significant task: establishing a consistent starting lineup that can propel the team to success. With the departure of key players like Klay Thompson from the starting lineup, multiple positions remain uncertain, making the training camp evaluations crucial.
Key Positions Up for Grabs
Among the most pressing concerns is the shooting guard position, previously held by Klay Thompson. Kerr's strategic evaluation will be crucial in ensuring the right combination of players seamlessly fit into both the starting unit and the bench. In the center position, it’s a head-to-head competition between Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis. Meanwhile, Draymond Green seems likely to retain his position, but Kyle Anderson also remains an option, particularly for small-ball center duties.
The forward positions are equally competitive. Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are battling for the frontcourt spot, with both showcasing their unique skill sets. Meanwhile, an intriguing competition is unfolding for the shooting guard position, featuring Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and veteran shooter Buddy Hield.
The Strategic Mind of Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of fitting the right pieces together, not just within the starting lineup, but also ensuring the bench rotations are equally potent. “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,” Kerr remarked.
The complexity of configuring the lineup is not lost on Kerr. “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?"
A Focus on High-Volume Shooting
Stephen Curry, the only assured starter, remains central to Warriors' offensive strategy. Kerr’s philosophy embraces a high-volume shooting approach, evident from their fourth-place finish in 3-point attempts last season. “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. This persistence in shooting is essential to maintaining the Warriors' identity, especially with the departure of Klay Thompson, who previously took eight to ten 3-point shots per game.
Curry, who continues to be the linchpin of the team, acknowledged the versatility of the current roster: “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.”
A New Beginning
This season brings a fresh start for the Warriors, a chance to reinvent themselves in ways they couldn’t last year. “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 noted, highlighting the optimism surrounding the team.
However, this new beginning also comes with its own set of challenges. "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," said Kerr.
The success of the Warriors this season will hinge on Kerr’s ability to navigate these uncertainties and carve out cohesive lineups. With fierce competition across the board and a renewed focus on high-volume shooting, Golden State looks poised to make another formidable run for the title.