The Golden State Warriors may have started the NBA season with an impressive 7-2 record, but nine games in, they are still searching for a consistent starting lineup.
Initially, the team opted for a big lineup for the first three games, but Jonathan Kuminga was moved to the bench and has stayed there since.
Injuries to key players like Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and De’Anthony Melton have further complicated matters, opening opportunities for Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II.
The Warriors Need to Commit to a Key Starting Lineup Change
On Friday, head coach Steve Kerr opted to start Gary Payton II alongside the usual quartet of Curry, Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Trayce Jackson-Davis in a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This decision was intended to help contain Cavaliers’ All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.
While Mitchell was held to just 12 points, the strategy fell apart elsewhere. The Cavaliers overwhelmed Golden State’s defense, scoring 83 points in the first half and building a staggering 41-point lead.
The Warriors’ starting lineup struggled offensively, and Cleveland capitalized with a blistering 20-2 opening run.
Though Kerr might continue experimenting with different lineups on a game-by-game basis, settling on a consistent starting five would offer much-needed stability.
Friday’s lineup highlighted a major flaw: the lack of spacing created by starting Payton, Green, and Jackson-Davis together. There’s one clear adjustment that Golden State needs to make.
A Curry-Melton Backcourt: The Logical Move
Throughout the preseason, a backcourt pairing of Curry and De’Anthony Melton appeared to be the logical choice. However, nine games into the season, Kerr has yet to start the duo together.
That should change now, as Melton made his return from a five-game absence during Friday’s matchup against Cleveland.
Melton showed flashes of his potential in the second half, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, and three assists while hitting 2-of-6 shots from beyond the arc in under 18 minutes.
As Curry’s backcourt partner, Melton offers the best of both worlds: elite perimeter defense similar to Payton’s and the added benefit of being a high-level three-point shooter capable of creating off the dribble.
Although the Warriors will need to manage Melton’s recurring back issues—which limited him to just 38 games last season—that doesn’t mean he can’t start. His minutes could still be capped at 18-25 per game without compromising his availability.
If starting Melton isn’t viable, Kerr could turn to Moody, though Buddy Hield might also be an option. However, Hield has been thriving off the bench, and disrupting that role might not be worth the risk.
Payton’s Starting Role Creates Spacing Problems
The rationale for starting Payton to limit explosive opposing guards has merit, but pairing him with both Green and Jackson-Davis in the starting lineup creates severe spacing issues.
This lack of floor balance was evident against Cleveland and could become even more problematic as the Warriors prepare to face the league’s top defense—the Oklahoma City Thunder—on Sunday at Paycom Center.
Stabilizing the starting five by integrating Melton or another shooter alongside Curry would not only solve these spacing concerns but also set a clearer path forward for Golden State in their pursuit of long-term success.
