Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is facing a significant challenge in determining his starting lineup as the team enters training camp. The most obvious vacancy is at shooting guard, a position once held by Klay Thompson, but Kerr has hinted that all positions, except for Stephen Curry’s point guard role, are open to competition.
Kerr emphasized that it’s not just about filling the shooting guard spot but finding the right combinations for the entire lineup, including the frontcourt and center positions. His main focus is figuring out the best fit between all the players as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The lineup search comes on the heels of a difficult 2023-24 season where the Warriors used 27 different starting combinations, none of which were consistent. Injuries and inconsistent play contributed to this lack of cohesion, both among the starters and the bench.
Kerr acknowledged that finding the right lineup combinations, especially between the starting five and the second unit, will be a key priority during camp. Players are expected to compete intensely for their spots, knowing that performance will be the deciding factor in who gets playing time.
At center, the competition will be between veteran Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, while Draymond Green is expected to retain his starting role in the frontcourt. However, Kerr sees the potential for Kyle Anderson, a new addition to the roster, to serve as a small-ball center.
Another point of competition will be between Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins for a starting forward spot. In the backcourt, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield will vie for the shooting guard role, with each player bringing unique strengths to the table, including defense, playmaking, and shooting.
Curry, like Kerr, stressed that the goal is to build a lineup that complements not only him but the entire team, especially the second unit. He pointed out that the Warriors are aiming to become an elite two-way team, focusing on improving both their offense and defense.
A key aspect of this strategy is replicating the team’s 2022 championship form by prioritizing shooting. Kerr mentioned that the team needs to make up for the loss of Thompson’s shooting volume, aiming for a higher team output in three-point attempts, with players like Wiggins and Podziemski expected to contribute significantly in this area.
Despite the uncertainty around the lineup, Kerr sees this as an opportunity for the team to reinvent itself. Unlike last season, which felt like an extension of the Warriors’ previous identity, this season offers a chance for growth and change.
Kerr remains optimistic about the competition, hoping it will help the team establish a new identity and force players to compete at their highest level. While the lack of a clear starting five presents challenges, Kerr views it as a positive that could help the Warriors evolve and adapt for the future.
