When the Golden State Warriors converged in Hawaii to kick of training camp, coach Steve Kerr made three things clear: Steph Curry would be in the starting lineup; Draymond Green would be in the starting lineup; and the other three spots were up for grabs.
With an opening day showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers exactly one week away, Kerr still has not finalized a starting lineup, but things are coming into focus. Earlier this week, Kerr said that he was “leaning towards” a starting five of Brandin
Podziemski, Gui Santos, and Yaxel Lendeborg alongside Curry and Green.
In past years, the team has tried to limit how often Green starts at center to help preserve him, as it’s a tougher physical ask. But the Dubs are limited in their options. Kristaps Porziņģis still has not made it onto the practice court, so he’s a long ways away from being a consideration. Al Horford doesn’t play back to backs, meaning that he can’t be a set starter. And Charles Bassey — who started in Green’s absence during Tuesday’s preseason win over the Lakers — is likely not viewed as deserving of a starting role at the moment.
That’s all three of the team’s centers, and leaves Green as the most sensible option. On the one hand, that makes for a small starting five; on the other hand, Lendeborg and Santos are both large enough to play power forward, so Golden State still has a chance to hold their own on the glass and defensively.
As for Podziemski, he always felt like a near-lock to start. The Dubs prefer to have De’Anthony Melton come off the bench, and Brandon Williams works best as a second-unit spark plug rather than a starter. Podziemski is by far the most well-rounded guard option that Golden State has, and his recently-signed five-year, $110 million extension suggests that the team is ready to start giving him a larger role. He’s also had an excellent training camp, and has more than earned his role in the starting five.
Lendeborg, the team’s first-round pick in June’s draft, is arguably the most exciting reveal. The rookie has been very impressive in his debut training camp, and looks like he could be a difference-maker from day one; clearly the Warriors agree.
Golden State has one more preseason game on Friday to finalize their starting five before kicking the season off on Wednesday, October 21.
