Warriors lineup debate ignites: Is Post or Podziemski the perfect partner for Curry?
The Golden State Warriors have made significant strides this season, thanks in large part to the health of their star guard, Stephen Curry. In the eight games he has played, the team has experimented with two different starting lineups. One features Curry alongside Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post. The alternative brings in Brandin Podziemski in place of Post. This raises an intriguing question: which lineup is better suited to maximize the Warriors’ chances for success? Or should they consider integrating Moses Moody or Will Richard into the starting five?
The Case for the Kuminga-Post Lineup
At the heart of any lineup featuring Butler and Green lies the necessity for shooting. Quinten Post, who stands at an impressive 7 feet, has emerged as a vital component of the Warriors’ shooting strategy, having started six games this season. His ability to stretch the floor is evident; he boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 40.3%. The combination of Curry and Post has proven effective, resulting in a staggering 70.1 true shooting percentage over 35 minutes of play. This performance challenges the narrative that Kuminga struggles with spacing when playing alongside Butler and Green, though more data will be necessary to fully endorse this theory.
As it stands, this lineup has achieved an impressive plus-26.7 net rating, making it the largest configuration the Warriors can realistically deploy. This setup also alleviates some of the defensive burdens on Green, allowing him to conserve energy for the long season ahead.
The Case for the Kuminga-Podz Lineup
On the other hand, Brandin Podziemski has quietly asserted himself as a valuable asset within the Warriors’ rotation. Often described as a “connector” by head coach Steve Kerr, Podziemski’s versatility enhances the team’s overall dynamics. The Kuminga-Podz lineup has logged a team-high 61 minutes together, achieving a robust plus-14.2 net rating.
One of the key advantages of this configuration is its defensive adaptability. With Podziemski on the floor, the team can switch defensive assignments more seamlessly, reducing concerns about Post’s ability to handle pick-and-roll situations. Although the Podziemski lineup has shown superior rebounding capabilities, its shooting has lagged behind that of the Post lineup, reflecting Post’s prowess as a shooter.
Should Moody Step in for Kuminga?
Recent performances have raised eyebrows regarding Kuminga’s role. His three-point shooting percentage has dipped to 33.3% after a two-game slump, while Moses Moody has flourished, shooting an impressive 42.9%. For some, this statistic may suggest a straightforward solution—Moody should take Kuminga’s place in the starting lineup.
However, the Warriors are keen to maintain Kuminga’s synergy with Curry, as this pairing has logged a team-high 222 minutes together, resulting in a plus-2.8 rating. In contrast, Kuminga’s performance without Curry has been less favorable, registering a minus-9.1. Meanwhile, Moody has thrived in his minutes alongside Butler, posting a plus-15.4 rating. This dynamic suggests that retaining Kuminga in the starting role allows him the best opportunity to flourish, with Moody potentially stepping in to complement Butler during critical stretches.
What About Will Richard?
Richard has been a revelation this season, warranting a deeper examination of his fit within the Warriors’ framework. Despite a limited sample size of 76 possessions, the Curry-Richard lineups have struggled, evidenced by a minus-25.7 net rating. Nonetheless, Richard’s early contributions merit further opportunities to play alongside Curry, as a change in performance could bolster his case when the lineup is reevaluated.
Verdict
Currently, the combination of Post and Kuminga appears to provide the Warriors with the most balanced and effective lineup. This configuration not only keeps Kuminga engaged but also positions him for success alongside established stars. Furthermore, it spares Green from immediate defensive assignments against opposing centers, which could be crucial for his longevity throughout the season. This arrangement allows Moody to thrive with Butler and the second unit, which has proven to be a strong pairing.
However, if Kuminga’s recent dip in performance persists, the Warriors may have no choice but to pivot toward Podziemski or Moody. Until this slump evolves into a more significant concern, Kuminga should retain his place in the starting five, as he offers the team a unique blend of talent and potential.
