As the Golden State Warriors embark on their 2023-24 campaign, head coach Steve Kerr is faced with the formidable task of establishing a consistent starting lineup amid a sea of uncertainties. With training camp underway, the focus is on fostering competition and determining the optimal combination of players for both the starting unit and the bench.
The Search for Stability
The Warriors have been known for their adaptability, having used 27 different starting lineups last season. Yet, as they aim for another successful run, the goal this year is to achieve stability and cohesion. A key part of this strategy involves finding the right player to fill the shooting guard spot, a role previously dominated by Klay Thompson, known for his prowess in taking eight to ten 3-point shots per game.
Stephen Curry’s place in the starting lineup is a given, but the rest of the positions are in flux. "The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well," Kerr mentioned. "We've got a lot of work to do to figure out lineups. All the guys can do is compete, play their ass off."
Intense Competition Across Positions
Kerr’s comments underscore the competitive atmosphere in camp. The center position, for instance, has Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis vying for dominance, while the versatile Draymond Green is likely to retain his place. Additionally, Kyle Anderson emerges as a potential candidate for small-ball center duties, offering Kerr more options to tinker with.
The frontcourt battle pits Jonathan Kuminga against Andrew Wiggins, both players eager to secure their roles. Meanwhile, the shooting guard position is contested by Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Each player brings a different skill set to the table, making Kerr’s decision even more challenging. Stephen Curry recognizes the depth of choice, noting, "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."
A High-Volume Shooting Team
The Warriors have made a mark with their 3-point shooting, securing the fourth spot in the league for 3-point attempts last season. To maintain this edge, Kerr emphasized the need for high-volume shooters, stating, "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." This approach underscores the strategic importance of finding the right mix of players who can contribute significantly from beyond the arc.
A New Beginning
This season represents a fresh start for the Warriors. Kerr reflected on the shift in mindset, saying, "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." The team’s journey this year is about transformation, seeking to forge a new identity through fierce competition and strategic planning.
While Kerr acknowledges the difficulty of not having a definitive starting five or a clear rotation off the bench, he sees this challenge as an opportunity. "It's easier when you know your starting five and you know your first four guys off 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," he said. "Let's establish our identity out of that competition."
In sum, the Warriors’ training camp is a critical phase filled with evaluations and decisions that will shape their upcoming season. With Kerr at the helm, the team is poised to navigate these uncertainties, pushing for excellence through rigorous competition and a shared vision of success.