As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr stands at the helm of a team teeming with potential but also shrouded in uncertainty. The pressing challenge for Kerr is to find the right balance and chemistry within his lineups, a task that’s anything but straightforward.
Unsettled Positions and New Beginnings
The shooting guard position, once firmly held by stalwart Klay Thompson, is now up for grabs. The Warriors have several viable candidates including Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield competing for the spot. As Kerr notes, the challenge extends beyond simply naming a starter. "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?"
Stephen Curry's position as the team's starting point guard is the only certainty. The Warriors’ superstar, who remains a cornerstone of the team's strategy, emphasized the plethora of options at their 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 said.
Center of Attention
While the guard rotation presents its own set of challenges, the center position is another critical area under rigorous scrutiny. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis are locked in a competitive battle for the starting spot. Additionally, Draymond Green appears likely to retain his position, lending some stability to the frontcourt.
The center position isn't the only one stirring debate; Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are competing intensely for a place in the frontcourt, and Kyle Anderson could also see time as a small-ball center. Kerr’s strategic decisions are shaping what could be a very different Warriors team from last season, which saw a staggering 27 different starting lineups.
Strategic Evaluations and High-Volume Shooting
Kerr’s philosophy this preseason is one of tactical experimentation. "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," Kerr emphasized. The Warriors were fourth in the league for three-point attempts last season, a testament to their emphasis on long-range shooting. Klay Thompson, who previously took eight to ten three-point shots per game, exemplified this approach.
However, with Thompson's starting role uncertain, integrating new players into a high-volume shooting strategy is crucial. Kerr remains focused on ensuring both the starting unit and the bench can fire on all cylinders. "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," he stated.
Forging a New Identity
The team's dynamic heading into this season feels fresh and decidedly different from previous years. "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," Kerr remarked. This sentiment embodies the Warrior’s mindset as they look to blend their experienced core with burgeoning talent.
As the Warriors continue their training camp, the importance of competition cannot be overstated. "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 elaborated.
All eyes will be on the Warriors as they navigate this transitional phase. The decisions made now will set the tone for their season, demanding nuanced understanding and strategic finesse from the coaching staff. For now, the Warriors will continue to battle it out on the court, each player striving to cement their role in what promises to be an exciting new chapter in Golden State’s storied franchise.