As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr faces an intriguing challenge: building a cohesive and effective starting lineup. The Warriors' journey this season is marked by the need to establish stability across various positions, particularly the shooting guard role, which was previously held by the formidable Klay Thompson.
Strategic Evaluations in Training Camp
The uncertainty surrounding the shooting guard position is just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout training camp, Kerr's primary goal will be to find the right mix of players who can mesh well together, both in the starting unit and off the bench. As Kerr astutely noted, "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."
The search for the best combination extends beyond just one position. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are in a head-to-head battle for the center position, while the ever-dependable Draymond Green is expected to retain his spot. At the same time, Kyle Anderson provides an interesting option for small-ball center duties, which could add a new layer to the team's adaptability.
Frontcourt and Guard Dynamics
Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are both vying for a significant role in the frontcourt, bringing their own unique skills and strengths to the table. In the backcourt, the competition is even fiercer. Stephen Curry's position as the primary point guard is unquestioned, but the shooting guard role is up for grabs with Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield each making a compelling case. As Kerr pointed out, "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?"
Reflecting on the team's strategic approach to shooting, Kerr emphasized the importance of high-volume 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," he stated. This philosophy aligns well with the Warriors' strong performance in three-point attempts last season, where they secured the fourth spot in the league.
Klay Thompson's Legacy and the Road Ahead
During the previous season, Klay Thompson was a consistent force from beyond the arc, taking eight to ten three-point shots per game. His absence creates a significant void that the Warriors must fill if they intend to maintain their high-ranking in three-point attempts. “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 reflected, outlining the team's versatility and depth.
A New Beginning
This season feels like a fresh start for the Warriors. "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," shared Kerr. Reinvention in a highly competitive league is no easy task, but it could provide the necessary spark for the Warriors to make another strong playoff run.
Flexibility and adaptability will be the key to navigating this transitional period. "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 asserted.
As the Warriors move forward with a sense of purpose and clear objectives, the competition within the team is expected to foster growth, resilience, and ultimately, success. With veteran leadership from Curry and Green and the potential contributions from newcomers and younger players, the Warriors have all the ingredients necessary to configure a lineup that can compete at the highest level.
The road ahead for the Golden State Warriors may be riddled with questions, but with strategic insight and a commitment to excellence, they possess the capability to turn uncertainties into strengths as they pursue another illustrious season in the NBA.