During the 2023–24 season, the starting lineup of the Golden State Warriors saw constant changes due to various factors such as injuries, absences, and players experiencing slumps. This led to 11 different players taking the court for the opening tip, with each of them making at least nine starts throughout the year. In total, the team experimented with 27 different combinations of a starting five across the 82-game season.
Looking ahead to the 2024–25 season, coach Steve Kerr aims for more lineup stability, acknowledging that while the rotating cast wasn’t solely responsible for the team’s disappointing performance, it didn’t contribute positively either.
However, unlike previous seasons, the Warriors will start the upcoming campaign without a predetermined starting lineup, leaving room for flexibility and adaptation. With the team’s financial constraints limiting the possibility of signing marquee free agents or executing major trades, the focus turns to the existing roster.
Considering this, there are eight players vying for starting positions: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
The decision on the starting five will likely hinge on two main factors:
1. The role of the shooting guard: While Curry is set as the point guard, the choice for the shooting guard spot is pivotal. Despite criticism from fans, Thompson remains a strong candidate due to his scoring ability, three-point shooting, and chemistry with Curry. However, concerns about his athleticism, defense, and streakiness might prompt consideration for alternatives.
2. Injecting youth and energy: The emergence of young players like Kuminga, Moody, Podziemski, and Jackson-Davis offers an opportunity to infuse the lineup with fresh talent and vigor. Their impact on revitalizing an aging core, anchored by Curry and Green, could influence the starting lineup decisions.
Ultimately, Kerr and the coaching staff will need to balance experience with potential, offensive firepower with defensive solidity, and cohesion with versatility when crafting the starting five for the upcoming season.
