The Golden State Warriors have moved on from Klay Thompson, an elite shooter and key member of their dynasty that won four NBA titles. With Thompson departing in his prime, the Warriors have brought in new players such as Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. Stephen Curry remains at the forefront alongside Draymond Green, and the team can utilize three different starting lineups for the upcoming season.
Starting Lineup 1: Traditional Lineup
- Stephen Curry
- Buddy Hield
- Andrew Wiggins
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Draymond Green
The traditional lineup leverages the Warriors’ core strengths while integrating a mix of experience and youth. Stephen Curry remains the anchor of the offense, coming off another stellar season. Pairing him with Buddy Hield, a career 40.0% three-point shooter, ensures that the team has ample shooting to keep defenses honest. Andrew Wiggins provides athleticism and defensive prowess on the wing, while Jonathan Kuminga offers explosive potential on both ends of the floor. Draymond Green ties the lineup together with his defensive skills and playmaking abilities.
Starting Lineup 2: Size and Defense
- Stephen Curry
- Buddy Hield
- Andrew Wiggins
- Draymond Green
- Kevon Looney
This lineup prioritizes size and defense, providing a robust frontcourt that can control the paint and protect the rim. Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield lead the backcourt, with Hield’s shooting ensuring optimal spacing. Andrew Wiggins continues at small forward, emphasizing defensive versatility and rebounding. Draymond Green shifts to power forward, where his defensive IQ and playmaking skills shine. Kevon Looney rounds out this lineup, providing size and rebounding at center, allowing Green to roam defensively.
Starting Lineup 3: Floor-Spacing
- Stephen Curry
- Brandin Podziemski
- Buddy Hield
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Draymond Green
The floor-spacing lineup maximizes shooting and offensive versatility, creating as much space as possible for Stephen Curry. This lineup introduces Brandin Podziemski, a promising young guard known for his shooting prowess. Buddy Hield moves to small forward, further emphasizing shooting. Jonathan Kuminga’s role shifts slightly to leverage his athleticism in a more open floor. Draymond Green continues as the anchor with an increased focus on facilitating from the high post or perimeter.
Which Lineup Should the Warriors Use in 2024-25?
For the 2024-25 season, the Warriors should prioritize the Traditional Lineup of Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green. This lineup balances offensive firepower with defensive stability, leveraging Curry’s scoring and playmaking, Hield’s elite shooting, Wiggins’ versatility, Kuminga’s athleticism, and Green’s leadership and defensive acumen. It offers a well-rounded approach that can consistently perform throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
As the second option, the Size and Defense Lineup with Curry, Hield, Wiggins, Green, and Kevon Looney provides a robust frontcourt presence, enhanced rebounding, and rim protection. This lineup is ideal for matchups against bigger, more physical teams, ensuring the Warriors maintain defensive integrity while still benefiting from Hield’s shooting and Curry’s playmaking.
The Floor-Spacing Lineup of Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Hield, Kuminga, and Green serves as a strong situational option, maximizing three-point shooting and offensive versatility. While it may sacrifice some defensive stability, this lineup creates immense spacing and allows Curry to exploit defenses more effectively. This lineup should be utilized when the Warriors need to outscore opponents with a barrage of three-pointers.
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