As the Golden State Warriors embark on the 2023-24 season, the spotlight shines brightly on head coach Steve Kerr, who faces the critical task of establishing a consistent starting lineup. The previous season's reliance on 27 different starting lineups underscores the magnitude and complexity of the challenge ahead.
Strategic Decisions Loom Large
Stephen Curry, the heart and soul of the franchise, is the one certainty amidst a sea of questions. Kerr, reflecting on the task at hand, 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."
One of the most pressing uncertainties surrounds the shooting guard position, previously held by Klay Thompson. While Curry remains the undisputed starting point guard, Kerr must decide who complements him best among Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Each of these players brings a unique skill set to the table—Podziemski's versatility, Melton's tenacity, and Hield's sharpshooting prowess create a rich tapestry of possibilities. "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?" Kerr mentioned, emphasizing the holistic approach to defining the team structure.
Frontcourt Battle Heats Up
Meanwhile, the frontcourt battle is intensifying as well. Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are locked in a competition for a forward spot, while Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis vie for the center position. Additionally, the presence of versatile players like Kyle Anderson, who is an option for small-ball center duties, adds another layer of complexity to the equation. Draymond Green, with his unparalleled defensive prowess and leadership, is expected to retain his position, anchoring the frontcourt.
In yet another twist in the narrative, Kerr mentioned the strategic importance of three-point shooting in the Warriors' playbook. "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." The Warriors' success in securing the fourth spot in the league for 3-point attempts last season underscores this philosophy. With Thompson previously taking eight to ten 3-point shots per game, filling that void is not only about volume but also about efficiency and rhythm.
A New Beginning
This season feels markedly different for the Warriors, as Kerr articulated, "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 has an opportunity to carve out a new identity, with the competition within the squad serving as the crucible through which this identity will be forged.
The dynamic Stephen Curry also highlighted the array of choices at Kerr's disposal. "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 remarked, acknowledging the diverse talents vying for their place in the rotation.
The Road Ahead
The Warriors’ journey into this season is laden with potential and complexity. Each training session, scrimmage, and preseason game will serve as a critical evaluation point as Kerr and his coaching staff strive to find the right blend of talent, experience, and chemistry. Transitioning from the comfort of knowing a fixed starting five to a phase marked by fierce internal competition could very well be the catalyst for a reinvigorated Warriors squad.
"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 said, encapsulating the prevailing ethos as the team marches forward.
As the new season unfolds, what remains consistent for Golden State is their unyielding pursuit of excellence and a focused approach to building a cohesive, competitive roster. Whether they will return to their championship-winning ways, only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey promises to be as captivating as the destination.