Why mediocre Warriors must adjust their starting lineup
The turbulent nature of the season for the Golden State Warriors has resulted in many different starting lineups, with head coach Steve Kerr's most recent iteration consisting of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green.
This starting lineup has posted a decent 5-3 record. However, a closer look shows there is more than meets the eye and adjustments must be made.
Every win during this recent stretch has come against a sub-.500 team or a team missing a starter. The cracks in this new starting lineup have been highlighted against elite teams such as the Nuggets and in home losses against the injury-depleted Bulls and Knicks.
Curry can mask much of the poor spacing in this lineup against mediocre teams. His looks, however, have been extremely difficult due to his sharing the floor with four relatively weak shooters. That's why the insertion of Klay Thompson into the starting lineup, replacing Podziemski, must be made.
Podziemski's knack for charges and rebounding are useful, but his offensive production does not justify him remaining a starter. In his past five games, he has averaged only 7.6 points on 37.5% from the field.
Thompson's presence alone would force defenses to stay honest with Curry, allowing for easier looks for the superstar. By his standards, Thompson (17.2 PPG) has struggled, but he is shooting a respectable 38.5% from three and has the gravity to draw two defenders, creating open looks for his teammates.
The most concerning development with the current starting lineup is the wear and tear Green suffers playing the five. Proof of this is Green's recent appearances on the injury report.
Although the best and most versatile lineups for the Warriors (35-32) have historically featured Green at center, this is not a sustainable way to play, especially considering Green's age (34), size (6-foot-6) and injury history. Green should be saved and used in spot minutes at the five, preferably in crunch time. For the Warriors to have playoff success, Green's availability is critical.
To alleviate Green's workload, Trayce Jackson-Davis must enter the starting lineup, allowing Green to play his natural position of power forward. Jackson-Davis' lob threat and rim protection brings a different dimension to the team, keeping opponents honest when the Warriors drive in the paint or when opponents get past the often-shoddy perimeter defense.
Additionally, Jackson-Davis' synergy with Thompson is excellent — his lob presence, coupled with Thompson's gravity, gives the Warriors versatility in their classic split-action and pin-down sets. Imagine adding Curry in the mix.
The changes detailed above leave one slot for Kuminga or Wiggins at the three. With Wiggins (12.6 PPG) grossly underperforming and Kuminga looking like a future All-Star, Kerr must give the starting nod to Kuminga.
It might not be a championship lineup, but a starting lineup of Curry, Thompson, Kuminga, Green and Jackson-Davis gives the Warriors their best blend of size, spacing and athleticism. The lineup data from Cleaning the Glass, albeit small, suggests this combination could work nicely.
With losses piling up and time running out, it's time for change.
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