As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr is faced with the intricate task of establishing a cohesive and effective starting lineup. The departure of key players and the influx of new talent have created a competitive atmosphere in training camp, making lineup decisions particularly challenging this year.
One of the most significant uncertainties is the shooting guard position, a role that Klay Thompson has held for many years. With Thompson's departure, Kerr’s primary focus has been on finding the right combination of players who can seamlessly fit into both the starting unit and the bench. "The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well," Kerr stated. "We've got a lot of work to do to figure out lineups. All the guys can do is compete, play their ass off."
The competition extends beyond just the shooting guard role. At the center position, Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis are battling for the starting spot. Draymond Green, a cornerstone of the team, is expected to retain his position, while Kyle Anderson is being considered for small-ball center duties, adding further depth and versatility. In the frontcourt, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are vying for a spot, showcasing the Warriors' abundance of talent.
At the same time, Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield are all competing for the coveted shooting guard position. Despite the stiff competition, one thing remains certain: Stephen Curry, the franchise’s driving force, is assured of his starting role. "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 emphasized.
This year's training camp marks a fresh chapter for the Warriors, a departure from what Kerr described as last year's feeling of continuity. "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.
Creating an effective rotating lineup also means ensuring a high level of performance from beyond the arc. Last season, the Warriors ranked fourth in the league for three-point attempts, heavily relying on Klay Thompson's eight to ten shots per game. Moving forward, Kerr aims to maintain this high volume of three-point shooting. "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 explained.
Stephen Curry echoed this sentiment, highlighting the benefits of having versatile shooters and creators on the team. "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.
The Warriors experimented with 27 different starting lineups last season, an indication of the constant adjustments due to injuries, player performance, and tactical considerations. This year, Kerr hopes to avoid such frequent changes by finding a balanced and resilient starting group early on. "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 concluded.
As training camp progresses, the Warriors will continue to evaluate their lineup options, emphasizing competition and performance to solidify their starting roster. With a renewed sense of purpose and an array of talents vying for various positions, the 2023-24 season promises to be an exciting chapter for Steve Kerr and his team.