As the Golden State Warriors set into motion their 2023-24 season, the focus is firmly on head coach Steve Kerr, who faces the task of refining a consistent starting lineup. The underpinnings of the team’s success lie in the strategic synchronization of star players and emerging talents.
Central to Kerr's challenge is dealing with the uncertainty surrounding multiple positions, the most critical being the shooting guard role formerly held by Klay Thompson. Kerr’s methodical approach during training camp is centered on ensuring that the right blend of players achieves cohesion not only within the starting lineup but also in supporting roles off the bench.
Competition Across the Board
"The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well," Kerr explained. "We've got a lot of work to do to figure out lineups. All the guys can do is compete, play their ass off." The sentiment encapsulates the prevailing atmosphere of competition within the Warriors' roster.
The center position remains a point of contention, with Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis vying for supremacy. Draymond Green, with his defensive prowess and experience, is expected to retain his position. Additionally, versatile forward Kyle Anderson presents an intriguing option for small-ball center duties.
Shooting Guard Battle
Central to the Warriors' game plan is the shooting guard position. The void left by Thompson is being contested by Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield. Kerr’s philosophy underscores the holistic integration of roles: "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 has high expectations for the team’s offensive output from beyond the arc. The Warriors finished fourth in the league for 3-point attempts last season, and Kerr is keen on maintaining, if not enhancing, their perimeter shooting. "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," he emphasized.
Assured Leadership and New Beginnings
Stephen Curry, the unassailable anchor of the Warriors, brings a familiar steadiness as the starting point guard. His role is pivotal in an era characterized by potential transformation. Reflecting on the team’s dynamic, Curry noted, "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’s perspective reinforces the notion of harnessing the synergy between established players and the fresh faces on the roster. The results promise an elevated level of teamwork and versatility in gameplay.
Creating a Competitive Identity
The Warriors employed a staggering 27 different starting lineups during the last season, emphasizing their quest for the most effective combinations. Kerr views this season as an opportunity for rejuvenation. "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," he remarked.
This period of reinvention is viewed not as an obstacle, but as a fortuity to convert competition into a defining characteristic. "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," Kerr admitted. "So let's turn that into a positive and turn it into competition ... let's establish our identity out of that competition."
Heading into the new season, the Warriors are positioning themselves to not only reclaim their former glory but to forge a fresh identity rooted in competitive excellence and adaptive tactics. As the interlocking parts begin to settle, the NBA can anticipate a Golden State Warriors team that is dynamic, resilient, and intent on reclaiming their place among the league's elite.