After the Golden State Warriors‘ third preseason game of the season on Sunday, coach Steve Kerr is still undecided on his starting lineup. Kerr has already locked in four spots, but he can’t seem to decide on his starting shooting guard.
Speaking to reporters after the Warriors’ 126-116 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Kerr was asked about his starting five. Brandin Podziemski made a case for himself after finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists. However, the four-time NBA champion coach remains non-committal about the starting SG spot.
“I can’t say that yet. We’ve got to see where we are. Brandin’s going to play a ton. He’s a hugely important player for us. But the starting lineup frankly is a little tricky for us, given the pieces and Al (Horford)’s age,” Kerr said.
Kerr’s other options are Moses Moody and Buddy Hield , who both offer something different to the lineup. Moody is a capable two-way player who can knock down 3-point shots and guard the best perimeter players.
Hield, on the other hand, moves without the ball similar to Steph Curry and can make absurd amounts of threes. As for Podziemski, he can make plays and is more of a help defender. He led the league in charges drawn as a rookie and came in third last season, as per NBA.com .
Moses Moody Ruled Out for Rest of Preseason
Before Sunday’s game, coach Steve Kerr announced that Moses Moody will miss the rest of the postseason because of an injury. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Moody suffered a calf injury in practice. The Golden State Warriors are hoping that he’ll be ready for opening night on October 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Moody started the first two preseason games, at small forward in the first one versus the Lakers and at shooting guard in the win over the Portland Trail Blazers . The Arkansas product averaged 14.5 points in those two contests before going down with the injury.
Multiple players sat out Sunday’s game, including Steph Curry, Al Horford and Jimmy Butler . Jonathan Kuminga had a chance to showcase himself as a starter, finishing with 13 points and six assists on 5-for-8 shooting. However, he also committed five turnovers.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. Comments on Steve Kerr’s Contract
In addition to the shooting guard situation, coach Steve Kerr has another question to answer. Kerr’s contract is about to expire at the end of the season, so why hasn’t he signed an extension? He doesn’t want to rush the decision, though he did hint that he could change his mind mid-season since ownership wants him to stay as long as he wants.
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. broke his silence regarding Kerr’s contract on the “Steiny & Guru” show on 95.7 The Game. Dunleavy acknowledged that there is uncertainty around it, but the Warriors are not putting any pressure on the coach.
“Yeah, I mean, I guess technically there is (uncertainty). This isn’t really a regular situation with a head coach where he’s in the last year of his deal. We know what it is with Steve. He’s been here a long time. He’s been an amazing part of this franchise, and as far as I’m concerned, can stay as long as he wants. We’re going to give him the grace of the season to go through it, or at least some of it, to see and feel where he’s at mentally and physically,” Dunleavy said .
Kerr has been in charge of the Warriors since the 2014-15 NBA season. He led the franchise to four NBA championships in six NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2022.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us .
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Steve Kerr Remains Unsure on Key Warriors Decision appeared first on Heavy Sports .