We all know the Warriors’ starting lineup: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Zaza Pachulia.
But who will come off the bench, and when? Of course Steve Kerr will tinker with lineups throughout the year and stagger minutes, but things are becoming clear with the season opener tipping off tonight against the Spurs.
Bay Area News Group’s Anthony Slater confirmed the following with Kerr prior to the season opener.
https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/790687878686711808
A quick blurb on each bench player:
Iguodala — The dynamic defender is the Warriors’ team leader beside Draymond Green. You can argue his back injury late in the series last year against the Cavaliers was a bigger reason the Warriors lost than Green’s suspension. The 32-year-old also said in the offseason he thought the Thunder were better than the Warriors last season in the Western Conference Finals. The organization chose to keep Iguodala over Andrew Bogut in order to fit Durant into the salary cap.
Livingston — Is there a better backup point guard in the league? Livingston told reporters at media day that President of Basketball Operations Bob Myers has been encouraging him to shoot more three-pointers this season. Livingston attempted just 12 threes last year, and just two the season prior.
West — The Warriors did not have a sturdy backup power forward like West a year ago. Mo Speights became a shooting specialist who didn’t log big playoff minutes and Festus Ezeli was a traditional center who never looked the same after midseason surgery. West takes on a role as an enforcer, a midrange shooter and a locker room presence who is not scared to speak up.
Clark — Perhaps no bench player has more pressure than Clark, who is expected to assume Leandro Barbosa’s role without a hitch. Clark had a breakout game in Game 3 of the first round of the postseason against Houston (11 points, 5 assists). He plays his best in transition but needs work as a defender.
McCaw — Both his summer league and preseason performances have added fuel to the second round pick’s hype train. McCaw is a smooth ball-handler, can create his own shot and is a pest defensively despite his thin frame. It’s easy to predict he’ll become a fan favorite.
