In his 10 years as the coach of the Warriors, this might be the first time Steve Kerr has to start from scratch. The departure of Klay Thompson has left a huge void. He isn’t hoping to fill it up transferring to onus onto a single player. “That will come from multiple people” about the new-looking Warriors. His method of channeling a collective effort is by making training camps a lot more competitive than ever before. With the age of reinventing themselves, Kerr is still not sure about his rotations.
During the third day of training camp, the Warriors took part in scrimmages divided into three units. The first string, called the blue consisted of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kuminga, Podziemski, and Buddy Hield. With the contingent practicing playing together, there was a guess that maybe the nine-time champion has cracked through a tentative starting lineup.
“It’s safe to assume that will not be the starting lineup,” Kerr told the media after the scrimmages. It helps protect the mystery with the Bay hours away from their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers. In the past, he has revealed only Curry and Green will retain their spots. For the rest, each player is fighting for the spot.
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USA Today via Reuters Mar 13, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
There are some iterations that Steve Kerr has addressed though. He could opt for a small lineup, given his need for the Warriors to retain their three-point-powered offense. In such cases, Kuminga could be injected into the starting unit with regularity. In case there is a need for defense, Melton could be the ideal partner for Stephen Curry.
So far the only certainty for the game against the Clippers is the sidelining of Andrew Wiggins. Trying to resume on a clean slate, the Canadian arrived in the best shape of his Warriors tenure. Kerr unsurprisingly is hopeful for a breakout year for the explosive forward. However, due to his dealing with a sickness, he hasn’t participated in any of the practice sessions in the three days of training camp.
Likewise, he will remain out for the first preseason game.
Steve Kerr could opt for a small ball lineup vs Clippers
Since last season, the concept of combinations seems to be on Kerr’s mind. The Warriors utilized 27 starting strings. At times it was forced due to the circumstances, but there was also an element of experimentation. This season, that could be the key. As Curry said, “We’ve got a lot of options”.
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This could very well mean Steve Kerr rotates lineups depending on their opponents. For the game against the Clippers, they are lacking Kawhi Leonard who is yet to be cleared for five-on-five action. Furthermore, with Zubac at the center, they don’t have the best shooting unit. With that in consideration, Kerr could opt for playing Green at center, something he has contemplated through the offseason.
The only change in the scrimmage lineup could be to replace Buddy Hield for Kyle Anderson. The 6’9″ forward can play the role as a focal playmaker, essentially taking on the duties of Green. The former DPOY too claims to be comfortable playing as the center with Anderson in the lineup.
With them having appropriate spacing, Kerr could opt to have Jonathan Kuminga start at the five. Throughout training camp, even though he is “excited” to watch the 21-year-old’s growth this coming season, Kerr isn’t confident to have him play alongside a traditional center such as Kevon Looney. When playing small though, Kuminga provides Kerr with everything he wants. “Attacking the rim, getting there, now you’ve got a spread floor,” he details it.
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With everyone else healthy, Stephen Curry will most likely take the role of the point guard. Besides him, Kerr, depending on his emphasis can pair him with Podziemski, who can shoot as well as facilitate, or go with Buddy Hield to somewhat replicate the role of Klay Thompson can being a spot-up shooter.
How do you think the Warriors will line up? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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