In the tropical paradise of Hawai’i, the Golden State Warriors are embarking on a journey to redefine their team’s identity. Coach Steve Kerr is on a mission to answer the ultimate question: who will comprise his starting lineup?
The shooting guard position, once occupied by a stalwart, is now up for grabs. But that’s not all – Kerr is leaving all positions, except for one, open to competition. “It’s not just about finding the right two-guard,” Kerr explained. “We need to find the perfect combination of players to gel together.”
Last season’s struggles to find cohesion are still fresh in Kerr’s mind. The team cycled through 27 different starting lineups, with none lasting more than a handful of games. The lack of consistency affected not only the starting five but also the bench unit.
Kerr emphasized that finding the right starting lineup is crucial, but it’s equally important to consider how the second unit will fit together. “The starting five needs to complement each other, and the bench needs to do the same,” he said.
The competition is heating up, with veterans and newcomers alike vying for spots. At center, Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are battling for the top spot. Draymond Green is likely to retain his starting role, but Kyle Anderson is an option for a small-ball lineup. Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, who struggled to coexist last season, will compete for another frontcourt spot.
In the backcourt, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield bring different skill sets to the table. “We have a defensive specialist, a connector who can create, and a veteran shooter,” Stephen Curry noted. “We need to find the right mix.”
The Warriors are prioritizing two key areas: becoming an elite two-way team and supplementing their shooting. Podziemski aims to take eight to 10 three-pointers per game, while Kerr sees Wiggins as a potential second-leading scorer. Even Looney and Anderson have been working on their shooting.
As Kerr and his staff navigate the complexities of lineup combinations, they’re doing so with a fresh perspective. “This feels like a new beginning for us,” Kerr said. “It’s an opportunity to reinvent ourselves and establish a new identity.” With competition brewing and players hungry to prove themselves, the Warriors are poised to turn uncertainty into a positive force.
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