As the Golden State Warriors prepare to enter into an off-season of decision making and roster building under head Coach Steve Kerr, an important decision is being made regarding Klay Thompson’s departure and any open competition for spots across their roster – with only Stephen Curry remaining an exception.
Kerr Experimented With Different Lineup StrategiesThroughout Last season, Kerr and his team attempted 27 different starting lineup strategies but none could sustain themselves over multiple games due to player availability issues and an overall lack of unity within team members affecting bench unit performance negatively. He now intends to address these difficulties head on in training camp sessions ahead.
Finding the Perfect Starting Five Kerr emphasizes the need to craft a lineup that not only ensures the starters are in harmony but also ensures a strong bench unit. The competition for the center role is particularly fierce, with Kevon Looney and new entrant Trayce Jackson-Davis in contention. While Draymond Green is expected to secure his place in the starting lineup, Kyle Anderson is a fresh face who might just make the cut.
Intense Competition and Rivalries for Spots The battle for positions is especially intense in the frontcourt, with Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins both eyeing the same spot, despite their contrasting performances last season. Meanwhile, in the backcourt, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield are each showcasing their unique abilities to secure a position.
Striving Towards Excellence on Both Ends The Warriors are setting their sights on replicating their 2022 championship success by becoming a formidable force on both offense and defense. Enhancing their shooting strength is a part of this strategy, with Kerr pinpointing Wiggins as a potential key scorer and encouraging Podziemski to increase his 3-point shot attempts.
Kerr and His Coaching Staff Approach Team Building In light of Thompson’s departure, this season will see Kerr and His Coaching Staff adopting a more innovative and refreshing approach when it comes to team-building strategies, hoping to establish new motifs within their strategies as they form their new identity for this squad.
While having an established starting lineup would certainly simplify matters for Kerr and his coaching staff, she believes the lack of certainty provides a rare chance to foster healthy competition within her squad and develop their identity and character over time.