LAIE, Hawai’i – Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, faces a challenging task as he navigates through the team’s training camp. With the departure of Klay Thompson, there is a significant gap in the lineup at the shooting guard position. Kerr emphasizes that apart from Stephen Curry, every other starting position is up for grabs, creating an atmosphere of competition and uncertainty as they seek to solidify their starting five.
In the previous season, the Warriors struggled to find consistency in their starting lineup, using 27 different combinations due to a lack of cohesion within the team. Kerr acknowledges the importance of not only finding the right starting five but also ensuring that the bench unit complements the starters effectively. This emphasis on team cohesion is central to their preparations for the upcoming season.
The training camp in BYU Hawai’i provides Kerr and his staff with the opportunity to evaluate different lineup combinations and assess the strengths and weaknesses of each player. The battle for the starting center position between Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis, along with the competition for frontcourt spots between Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and Kyle Anderson, adds an element of intrigue to the team’s roster decisions.
As the Warriors aim to be a dominant force on both ends of the court, Kerr emphasizes the importance of players like Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield, each offering unique skill sets that contribute to the team’s success. The absence of Klay Thompson’s sharpshooting presents a challenge, prompting Kerr to encourage players like Wiggins and Podziemski to increase their shooting volume to fill the gap.
Looking ahead to the new season, Kerr views this training camp as an opportunity for the team to redefine their identity and establish a new beginning. The competition for starting spots and minutes off the bench is seen as a positive aspect that will push the team to excel and evolve as they aim to reclaim their status as an elite team in the NBA. With a focus on building cohesion and maximizing each player’s strengths, the Warriors are gearing up for a season of growth and potential success under Kerr’s leadership.