As the Golden State Warriors embark on the 2023-24 NBA season, head coach Steve Kerr finds himself in the midst of a strategic juggling act. Determining a consistent starting lineup is a task laden with complexity, especially following a season where the Warriors utilized 27 different starting lineups. This year, uncertainty surrounds several key positions, most notably the shooting guard spot previously held by Klay Thompson.
Navigating Uncertainty
Steve Kerr's approach during training camp underscores the importance of strategic evaluation to ensure the right combination of players gel for both the starting unit and the bench. "The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well," Kerr emphasized, highlighting the intricate balance needed. "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 contested positions is the center spot, with Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis vying for the role. On the other hand, Draymond Green appears to have his position secured, providing some stability amid the roster flux. Kerr also mentioned the possibility of Kyle Anderson stepping in for small-ball center duties, adding another layer of tactical flexibility.
Competition in the Backcourt
Another pivotal decision revolves around the shooting guard position, where Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield are in the mix to fill the void left by Klay Thompson. "There is competition across the board," Kerr noted. "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, assured of his starting position, is a cornerstone around which the rest of the lineup will be built. Curry expressed optimism about the team's options: "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."
Shooting Efficiency
The Warriors have a reputation for their prolific 3-point shooting, having secured the fourth spot in the league for 3-point attempts last season. Kerr intends to maintain this high-volume shooting strategy. "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 stated. This emphasis suggests that Kerr values shooters who can stretch the floor and create spacing, which is critical for the Warriors' offense.
Last season, Klay Thompson was a major contributor to this strategy, taking eight to ten 3-point shots per game. Replicating his output will be central to the Warriors' game plan this season, and it remains to be seen who will step into that role effectively.
Reinventing the Identity
One of the narratives emerging from Kerr's remarks is the sense of a new beginning for the Warriors. "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 reflected. This sentiment signals a potential shift in how the team operates, perhaps adjusting to a new style of play and leveraging the fresh talents on the roster.
Kerr also spoke to the benefits of the competitive environment within the team: "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."
The Warriors' identity for the 2023-24 season will be forged through the battles in training camp and early-season experimentation. With an array of talented players competing for spots and the strategic acumen of Steve Kerr guiding the process, the Warriors aim to coalesce into a cohesive and formidable unit as the season progresses.