Kerr Finds His Groove with Revamped Warriors Starting Lineup
SACRAMENTO – After experimenting with numerous lineup combinations throughout the season, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believes he has finally found a starting five that can carry the team forward. The recent decision to re-insert Brandin Podziemski into the starting lineup and move Buddy Hield to the bench has yielded promising results, bringing a sense of continuity and balance to the team. In the Warriors’ convincing 132-108 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Podziemski delivered his highest scoring game in over two months, netting 21 points, while Hield matched team-high scorer Moses Moody with 22 points.
A Quest for Consistency
Early in the season, Kerr often praised the Warriors’ depth, but finding a consistent and reliable starting lineup has been one of his most challenging tasks. The team has employed 33 different starting lineups through 56 games, a figure that ranks second in the NBA, just behind the Philadelphia 76ers (34). The latest lineup features Podziemski, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Moses Moody, with four of these five players scoring 20 points or more in the recent game against the Kings. Despite the smaller stature of some of these starters – three of the five are 6-foot-5 or shorter – Podziemski believes their collective basketball IQ and skill compensate for their lack of size.
Podziemski’s Impact
Podziemski’s return to the starting lineup has been nothing short of remarkable. In his first game back as a starter on Feb. 13 against the Houston Rockets, he contributed 18 points, and in the recent game against the Kings, he shot 9 of 20 (45 percent) and dished out five assists. His performance has rekindled Kerr’s confidence in his ability to be a team connector and ball handler. "I like the play-making and I like his ability to handle the ball and get Steph off the ball," Kerr said. Podziemski’s chemistry with Butler has also been a significant factor. "BP and Jimmy also have a great connection. That became apparent right away. Starting them together means we get more minutes with them," Kerr added.
Hield’s Selfless Adjustments
Buddy Hield’s willingness to accept a bench role has been crucial to the success of this new lineup. While the move could have caused friction within the team, Hield has shown a rare level of professionalism and adaptability. “I’m a basketball player and I’m a guy that whatever Steve needs me to do, I’m gonna play my role to the best of my ability, whether it’s start or come off the bench,” Hield said. His career-long flexibility and team-first mindset have made the transition smoother. Hield emphasized the importance of understanding and accepting his role: “You just have to accept the role, whatever the team needs me to do. Whether it’s 25 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, you accept the role. Once you’re able to accept, be the best version of yourself in those roles that were presented to you, everything just tends to come to you.”
Clear Communication from Kerr
Coach Kerr’s transparent communication with Hield played a critical role in easing the transition. Unlike some coaches who keep players in the dark, Kerr ensured Hield understood the reasoning behind the lineup change. “I had a lot of coaches that don’t pass the information around to you,” Hield said. “Steve does a great job of letting us know before. He doesn’t come to us in a way that it feels like hard feelings but just what’s best for the team.” This openness and respect from Kerr have fostered a positive environment, allowing Hield to focus on his contributions rather than personal feelings.
A Team-Oriented Decision
Kerr’s decision to reconfigure the starting lineup is rooted in the team’s best interests. “Buddy’s a huge part of what we’re doing,” Kerr said. “(The change) is not a reflection of his play. It’s just a reflection of what I’m trying to accomplish. Buddy’s always going to play a big role for us with his shooting. I just think it feels right to bring him off the bench as a sixth man and to start BP for his play-making and the connection that he brings to the game.” The synergy and balance provided by this starting five have given the Warriors a much-needed boost, and Kerr hopes to maintain this continuity for the rest of the season to build a stronger, more cohesive team.
Looking Forward with Optimism
The Warriors’ recent success with their revamped lineup has brought a sense of optimism to the team and its fans. With Podziemski’s playmaking and Hield’s shooting prowess off the bench, the Warriors are well-positioned to capitalize on their strengths and navigate the challenges of the season. As Kerr looks to the future, his goal is clear: to foster greater continuity and build on the positive momentum. “I imagine we’ll stay with this lineup, and I hope so because we’ve had a million different starting lineups this year,” he said. The potential for sustained success is evident, and the Warriors are poised to make a strong second half of the season.
