Steve Kerr has not confirmed the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors’ preseason opener against the L.A. Clippers, but he did clarify one thing: the lineup that was used in a scrimmage won’t be the starting five. Reports surfaced that a scrimmage featured a unit consisting of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green. However, Kerr was quick to dispel the idea that this group would start the preseason game.
While there’s still speculation about the actual starting lineup, it’s clear that Kerr is experimenting with different combinations as the Warriors prepare for the season. This preseason period will be crucial for determining the team’s rotations, especially with new faces like Podziemski in the mix, and veterans like Green expected to provide leadership alongside Curry.
As always, Kerr is keeping options open and using these preseason games to evaluate what works best for the team going forward.
The Warriors starting lineup is still uncertain for their preseason opener
Steve Kerr has confirmed that the lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green from a recent scrimmage will *not* be the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors’ preseason opener against the L.A. Clippers. According to Anthony Slater of *The Athletic*, Kerr refuted the idea that this group was even under consideration to start the game.
Fans are still eagerly awaiting to see what Kerr’s rotations will look like as the Warriors enter the preseason. While Golden State is expected to have most of their roster available, Andrew Wiggins will be sidelined due to an illness that has affected his participation in training camp. Wiggins’ absence leaves the starting small forward position open, adding to the speculation about the Warriors’ starting lineup for the game.
As the team prepares for the season, these preseason games will help Kerr finalize roles and rotations for what promises to be a highly competitive campaign.
Is it safe to assume this will be the starting unit in the preseason opener tomorrow?
Steve Kerr: “No. In fact it’s safe to assume that will not be the starters.” https://t.co/rCJd3WBi4B
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 4, 2024
A starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green, while intriguing, would raise valid defensive concerns for the Warriors. The combination of Curry, Podziemski, and Hield, three guard-like players, could expose Golden State to significant vulnerabilities on the defensive end, especially when facing larger, more athletic teams. Fans have expressed frustrations over the years with lineups featuring multiple guards, and this trio could amplify those worries. Additionally, when Andrew Wiggins returns, it’s expected that either Hield or Podziemski would likely move to the bench.
Reports from *The Athletic* also highlighted the Warriors’ internal scrimmages, providing insight into potential second- and third-unit combinations. The presumed second unit reportedly included De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson, and Kevon Looney. This group, with strong defensive capabilities, would complement the more offensively-minded starters. A third lineup featured Pat Spencer, Lindy Waters III, Gui Santos, Quinten Post, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, signaling that the Warriors are exploring a variety of combinations during the preseason to solidify their depth .
While this experimentation is typical for the preseason, it’s clear that Kerr will prioritize defense and chemistry as key factors in determining the final lineups.
Can that give us any clue of what to expect after training camp and the six preseason games? The most intriguing part may be Looney’s position on the second unit ahead of Jackson-Davis, who is still considered a potential starter. A Green/Jackson-Davis frontcourt helped Golden State go 9-2 in the final 11 games of the season.
The Warriors are attempting to strike a compromise between their ambition to be an exceptional top 5-7 defense this season and their desire to remain a high volume three-point shooting club despite the departure of veteran Klay Thompson over the summer.
Kerr has also expressed concern about playing Green too much at center, but that may be an adjustment he must make in order to find a starting spot for Kuminga, who is entering his fourth year.
