The Golden State Warriors are in the early stages of training camp, and head coach Steve Kerr said it’s going to take some time to figure out the team’s starting lineup.

While star point guard Stephen Curry is locked in as a starter, it sounds like the other four spots are up for grabs.

“There is competition across the board,” Kerr said Tuesday following the Warriors’ first practice session, per ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. “It’s not as simple as, ‘Who is going to be the 2?’ It’s got to be — ‘Who is going to be the 5? Who’s the 4?’ We know that Steph is the 1. But what’s the combination?”

The Warriors used 27 different starting lineup combinations during the 2023-24 season, none of which lasted for more than a handful of games in a row. The departure of longtime shooting guard Klay Thompson creates a major hole on offense, but Andrews noted that Golden State has multiple positions to address.

Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield will be battling for the second backcourt spot next to Curry. Draymond Green is likely to retain his starting job, but newcomer Kyle Anderson is seen by Kerr as a possible small-ball center. Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis will be vying for the starting center position, while Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins will be competing for another frontcourt spot.

Kerr pointed out that in addition to figuring out Golden State’s starting lineup, the team has to find its best bench rotation as well.

“The starting lineup is going to have to be dependent, not only on the first five fitting, but the second fitting as well,” Kerr said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do to figure out lineups. All the guys can do is compete, play their ass off.”

Warriors’ Kerr: ‘Competition’ Will Determine Starting Lineup Around Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has made it clear that competition will play a key role in determining the starting lineup for the upcoming NBA season. While Stephen Curry’s spot as the team’s star point guard is secured, the rest of the lineup remains open to competition among the players.

“We have a lot of talent on this roster, and it’s going to be a competitive camp,” Kerr said. “Nobody’s spot is guaranteed except Steph’s. We want to see who steps up and earns their place in the starting five.”

The Warriors enter the season with a mix of veterans and emerging talent, making the decision-making process even more intriguing. With several players capable of contributing at a high level, Kerr emphasized that performance during training camp and preseason will be the deciding factor.

“We’re not going to rush the decision,” Kerr added. “The competition in practice will show us who’s ready to take on those key roles. It’s about how well they fit with our system and how well they complement Steph on the floor.”

Curry, who remains the cornerstone of the Warriors’ offense, will be surrounded by teammates who can adapt to his fast-paced style and provide defensive support. The competition for starting positions is expected to motivate the team and elevate the overall level of play, as players fight to prove they belong in the opening lineup.

As the Warriors prepare for the new season, all eyes will be on how the lineup shapes up around Curry. With high expectations for a deep playoff run, the Warriors are focused on assembling a starting unit that can maximize their potential.

Kerr concluded, “We’re confident that the competition will bring out the best in our players. Whoever earns the starting spots will have done so through hard work and dedication, and that’s the kind of team we want to put on the court.”