On the second day of the Golden State Warriors’ training camp at BYU-Hawaii, Coach Steve Kerr focused on transitioning the team from conceptual drills to full-court scrimmages. The emphasis was on effort, energy, and flow, with the team being split into positional groups. Kerr made it clear that he is still far from determining his starting lineup, stating that the main goal was to explore different combinations and see who stands out in various situations.
A standout moment of the practice came when rookie Brandin Podziemski assisted center Kevon Looney on a game-winning three-pointer. Looney, who had spent the offseason improving his three-point shooting, was elated with the success. After taking only a handful of threes in the last few seasons, Looney had made between 400 to 500 attempts over the summer.
His improved shooting is part of a broader effort to become a more versatile offensive player, though Kerr clarified that Looney’s role would remain focused on rebounding and setting screens. His occasional long-range shots are meant to exploit broken plays, not to turn him into a full-time outside shooter.
The team also had discussions around Jonathan Kuminga’s positional role. While Coach Kerr sees him as a power forward, Kuminga believes he’s better suited as a small forward. Draymond Green, whose opinion carries weight within the Warriors, aligned with Kuminga, emphasizing the skill set required to play the four position.
Green pointed out that playing power forward demands a deep understanding of the position, something Kuminga hasn’t fully embraced yet. For Kuminga to thrive at the small forward spot, his outside shooting will need significant improvement, a focus he has worked on over the summer.
Brandin Podziemski is competing for a starting shooting guard spot alongside Stephen Curry, with Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton also in the mix. However, Draymond Green advised Podziemski not to try to emulate Klay Thompson, the Warriors’ iconic shooter, but instead to remain true to his own style.
Green shared his own experience, saying that trying to replicate the role of David Lee when he took over as a starter would have hindered his own growth. Green emphasized that the Warriors will adjust to Podziemski’s strengths if he plays to his own abilities.
Finally, there were comparisons drawn between current and new Warriors players. Podziemski noted that Kyle Anderson shares similarities with Draymond Green, particularly in terms of playmaking and defensive awareness. Anderson’s ability to make plays in the short roll and hit pick-and-pop jumpers could offer the Warriors a new version of Green’s versatile playmaking.
Additionally, Podziemski compared De’Anthony Melton to the departed Gary Payton II, as both players share a commitment to defense. Melton, who struggled with injuries last season, is fully healthy and could be a key addition to the Warriors, offering both strong on-ball defense and offensive support.
