As the Golden State Warriors embark on the 2023-24 season, the perennial contenders find themselves at a crossroads. Head coach Steve Kerr faces a complex and critical task: establishing a consistent starting lineup amid a swirl of uncertainties. Unlike previous seasons where staples like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green cemented their places, this year presents a peculiar challenge for Kerr and his coaching staff.
Reconfiguring the Shooting Guard Position
The shooting guard spot, long dominated by Klay Thompson, is now up for grabs. Three notable players—Brandin Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield—are fiercely competing to fill this void. Thompson's absence leaves a significant gap; his former 3-point shooting average of eight to ten attempts per game will need to be compensated for.
Coach Kerr emphasizes the necessity for a shooter-heavy roster. "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 said, highlighting the team's strategic cornerstone of maintaining its prowess from beyond the arc. Indeed, the Warriors secured the fourth spot in the league for 3-point attempts last season, a statistic they aim to sustain.
Frontcourt Flexibility
Competition isn't limited to the backcourt. In the frontcourt, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are engaged in their own battle for a starting role. Meanwhile, the center position sees Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis dueling it out, with Kyle Anderson available for small-ball lineups.
Green's spot appears secure, reassuring the team of his defensive versatility and skill in orchestrating plays. Stephen Curry, likewise, retains his starting position, an immutable variable in Kerr’s equation.
Kerr’s strategic evaluation throughout training camp aims to ensure that 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. We've got a lot of work to do to figure out lineups. All the guys can do is compete, play their ass off," Kerr noted.
Establishing New Roles
The Warriors' dynamic now requires each player to step into new roles, with a tangible sense of competition permeating the camp. "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 pondered, hinting at the intricate puzzle he needs to solve.
Stephen Curry echoes this sentiment, pointing out the options available and the new dynamics in play: "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."
A New Beginning
Perhaps the most telling comment about the Warriors' journey comes from Kerr himself: "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 sentiment captures the blend of optimism and realism emanating from the Warriors' camp.
The 2023-24 season represents a shift, a pivot from the established order to an environment where roles are earned through competition and performance. This shift may remind longtime Warriors fans of a similar season not long ago, when hard-won battles during training camp translated into groundbreaking success on the court.
Kerr's final thoughts capture the essence of the challenge ahead: "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."
With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising new talents, the Warriors stand at the brink of a potentially transformative season. As the team works through these challenges in training camp, one thing is clear: the drive to compete and the spirit of reinvention are alive and well in Golden State.