Most coaches stick with a nine- or 10-man rotation. Warriors coach Steve Kerr feels he has so many bench options, he can use a dozen players during the course of a game.
That was on display on opening night, as Golden State blew out Portland. Early in the second quarter, 12 players had already seen the floor.
“This is as deep of a team as I’ve ever coached, and we’ve got to lean into that,” Kerr said, per ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. “I’ve never played 12 before, but we’re going to do it. I was thinking, well, maybe I’ll just play 10 and we’ll have to tell two of these guys that they’re going to sit. But I just couldn’t justify that.”
We have more from the Western Conference:
- JJ Redick‘s plans to feature Anthony Davis in his Lakers offense was on display opening night against Minnesota, The Athletic’s Sam Amick writes. Signed through the 2027/28 season, Davis racked up 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal. He also attempted 23 shots on which he wasn’t fouled. “I think it’s a good first step of seeing how (Redick) wants me to play and how he wants me to be that hub and to orchestrate the offense, in a sense,” he said.
- Ja Morant was limited to nine games last season due to a suspension and a shoulder injury. He came back strong in the Grizzlies’ opener, contributing 22 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in 28 minutes against Utah. “My job as a point guard is to control the game,” said Morant, per The Associated Press. “I hate if I let the other team’s point guard control the game. Whatever I can do to make sure it’s in our favor, I try to do.”
- It was an ominous start for the Pelicans, as Zion Williamson sat out with an illness against Chicago and Dejounte Murray broke his hand. Trey Murphy was already out with a hamstring strain. “Guys are ready for more opportunities whenever they may come,” CJ McCollum told William Guillory of The Athletic. “… It’s unfortunate that injuries are part of the game, but they happen sometimes. That’s why you need depth on your roster to compete in an 82-game season.”
NBA experts are sleeping on how good the warriors could be. Hield is going to do better than Thompson. They played the entire bench last night even sitting Curry when he was 1 rebound away from a triple double in the third quarter. They team looks like they are having fun out there unlike last year when a few grumpy players complaining about starting.
Whoa whoa whoa, hold your horses. The Blazers are going to stuggle to have a winning record this year. You watched the first quarter didn’t you? They didn’t look like champions for those 12 minutes did they?
But with that said and out of the way, let me Proclaim with the loudest voice ever,
KLAY WHO !!!?
Let’s go, I can’t wait for the other games to come. Let’s see how they do against the upper echelon. Let’s see that defense really lock down some of these great players in the west.
But yes it looks like they were having fun. As we all know, winning cures many ills. Let’s see how that looks in January after a six game losing streak.
But I’m not too worried, they don’t sign veterans that hang their heads. These are all good attitude guys and it starts at the top of course with Steph Curry.
last year the warriors win this game by less than 10 points. They play defense this year and there is a lot of chemistry between player unlike last year.
I love how this roster has so many options, they can go D-heavy, O-heavy, all-big, all-small (like Kerr did in 1Q, of course), multiple playmakers, multiple scorers…this year is already fun!
It’s a much more elevated unit than 2021-22, who had a 2W player in Chiozza playing backup PG most of the regular season – this unit has Melton and Podz who are 1000x better than Chiozza in that role. Stuff like that makes me think this team has “it”.
Warriors played horribly last night esp 1st quarter. Hield was awesome and he is an upgrade over Klay. That being said, there is a reason he is a journeyman. Dray still feels like timebomb.
“Warriors played horribly last night esp 1st quarter.” They won by 35 points, one would argue they didn’t play bad at any point. They merely started the game shooting 2 for 14, they still played well, then water found its level and the shots went in at a more normal rate.
How can you be so negative all the time? Steph brings joy, this team brings more joy than anything and you are stuck in argument mode. Just enjoy the season, its gunna be a fun one!!!
Curry being 1 rebound away from a triple double in 25 mins really proved he’s still Him. The GOAT. Better than Bron and always was!
Strange quote from Steve Kerr. How do you play 12 guys regularly? I think a standard rotation is Max of 10.
It may work if he has a plan to stagger minutes.., for instance one game the 10th man will get 18 minutes, the next game he won’t and the 12th man will get 18 minutes instead. Unless you do that there will be grumbling. You can’t play guys 8 through 12 seven minutes each. Will not and cannot work.
You can’t play 12 consistently. That’s trying to make too many guys happy. You can’t make everyone happy, you have to do what’s right.
That said, how do you keep Waters on the bench? This guy is going to find a way to play and I’d almost want him out there before.., gasp!!…, Moses Moody!!
It is just a warning to the team that not every player is going to play but they deserve to play. Last night he only had his vets play 25 minutes or less. You know how injuries happen so even if a few players go down you have other waiting for minutes. keeps the old guys fresh not playing deep minutes.
The rotation at least for the 1st game was based on seniority or vets feelngs. It’s like pecking order. Kuminga was 1st to be benched and Moody was the 12th to play. Hield first off the bench and so on… Podz and Hield looked great.
I am worried about Kuminga if the contract situation gets into his head. He looked like he was pressing in the first quarter trying to score.
arc89 , that’s a good observation about Kuminga. He definitely looked like he was pressing and, even for him, showing frustration.
It puts Kerr in a tough spot.
Are we really over-analyzing opening night 1Q? Of a game they won by 35? Cmon
Hmmm almost like I was right and everyone who called me stupid and other disrespectful adjectives were wrong – wow, this keeps happening, its almost like I know ball and am right earlier than anyone about all my takes, or something….
Who was the one who literally was like “no, your really takes are so bad, no one EVER uses more 10 men in a rotation” – I was right and that troll was wrong!
Oh yeah, hey Gary I knew you were possessed by the ghosts of hoop past when you said “Buddy will play more than Moody” after my “controversial” mins breakdown that uhhh…was close to right? I said Moody(15)/Buddy(15)/Melton(19) would all get 16 MPG and Podz would get all the non-Steph mins along with some time alongside Steph, like a week ago. Obviously I wasnt talking about concrete playing time like “they are only ever gunna play 16 MPG” thats silly. But I was close about something that got people heated!
Davey J, That’s not a reasonable interpretation of the numbers.
Moody was the last guy off the bench; got 5+ minutes of garbage time and scored the majority of his 15 points then; and went 3-for-8 from 3. He was the last guy of the bench.
Hield was the first guy off the bench, played no garbage time, scored 22 points in only 15 minutes, and shot 5-7 from 3.
All this suggests that Hield will play A LOT more than Moody.
Moody with 15 points in 15 mins…PLAY THIS MAN 35 MPG!!!
Yes true about Moody and all you can ask of a man is to play well when he’s called on. So give him props for that for sure.
But he did play Garbage time in addition to the spot minutes he was allotted before the game was out of hand. We’ll look and see how this plays out over the next few months. As above, there could be injuries and the Warriors will probably need each and every guy to perform at some point.
But please remember that I don’t dislike the man. I just don’t think he’s a rotation NBA player on a good team. And he better watch out for Lindy Waters, who has the potential to move ahead of him in the pecking order. Just sayin.
Again, you are very wrong. Moody is a big piece of GSW’s future and will be taking minutes from everyone, not the other way around. Lindy is nice but he has to have either Wiggs or Kuminga get hurt to enter the fray.
I also don’t dislike Podz, I mean if you are a +34 with 0 points from the guard spot, I can’t explain that at all, I have no idea what to make of this guy, he too played a lot of garbage time but also played alongside Curry…but if he keeps being +34 then by all means keep playing him, winning is the only thing that matters to me.
The unspoken truth: all the players know that GSW is trying to do a major transaction, and it’s only a matter of time before the roster changes.
Playing 12 optimizes the value of players that can be traded.
In the last 7 months, we’ve tried to acquire LeBron, George, Markkanen, and, we recently learned, Towns. In the Slater article, Lakob indicates they continue to pursue a big fish. It’s unreasonable to believe that doesn’t effect the playing time of current players.
Nothing increases the odds of a big transaction more than Andrew Wiggins stepping up, like last night. (Moody is off the table because having signed an extension, he can’t be traded 6 months.) We have 3 of other players (GP2, Looney, and Melton) that may be attractive primarily as expiring contracts, but not playing them reduces their value.
Couple of interesting thoughts here.
1) They should be giving AD majority of the touches when he’s on the court. He’s probably their best ALL around player and can impact the game on both ends. Smart move by JJ.
2) Would Memphis try and steal BI14 from NOLA? Smart can replace Murray (for now), and Clarke gives them some length and physical toughness. Might need to add a pick in between but looks doable. Memphis does need a wing scorer and BI14 would be more realistic than say Lavine.
3) I know they aren’t in this post, but getting Tyus Jones for $3M was an absolute steal. Phoenis missed a natural PG who can distribute the ball. Nice first game from Jones with 11 points 8 assists 2 steals. He will be a huge reason why Phoenix might be a contender this year. Refreshing to see them have a real roster and not a 2K roster filled with just scorers.
If memphis wanted BI14 NO would get Marcus Smart and some compensation. So giving up defense for a offensive star.
I think Memphis window is starting to close. JJJ needs a max soon and he will cost and command alot of their cap because of his awards. Getting BI14 would help Ja and Bane take some plays/games off too. They need something from their wings. I think if Memphis sends NOLA maybe a 1st round top 10 protected or something similar, it would get the job done. It also decreases their cap for 2025-2026 by $35M since Bi14 is a FA at the end of the year, which coincides with JJJ contract being up as well. Both teams win.
NOLA gets more help for Zion, and they need more leadership and playoff experience on that team which Smart would bring. Clarke is athletic and a valuable big off the bench who can contribute and add toughness/physicality and rim protection.
Something to think about if I am both teams.
arc89, I just looked it up and this is what I found for JJJ’s next deal according to espn.
Starting the day after the 2025 NBA Finals conclude, Memphis is allowed to offer Jackson a four-year $147 million extension. If he is named Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA or wins MVP this season, he would than become eligible to sign a five-year $345 million super max extension.
If JJ thinks he will get a 5 year $345 contract he is dreaming. Most clubs have no money to offer players big contracts. This hardline cap that some of the owners demanded is going to limit future big contracts for free agents.
Why wouldn’t he get 5/345M? He’s 25, he would be a multiple winning DPOY, named to all defensive 1st team twice already, and he is a modern day big who can shoot from outside.
It’s a no brainer for him if he gets another ASG/DPOY/1st Team Defensive team.
Nobody has that type of money to offer. If he wants to play for a bad team but unless a big trade with Memphis getting back all stars it will not happen.
His own team can offer 5/345M, not other clubs.
raz427 , Ingram doesn’t fit the Grizzlies culture, but, even if he did, I’m not seeing how you make the math work.
First, you’re incorrect about the contract expirations. Ingram’s contract is up at the end of this year, JJJ’s after next year.
Second, NOLA doesn’t have the cap space to fit JJJ’s expected > $55M new contract along with Zion, Murray, Murphy III, and Jones, even if they dump McCollum.
NOLA
I never said JJJ to NOLA. I can see how that was confusing. I meant Ingram for Smart/Clarke and possibly another piece. That setups them clearing the contracts that are owed to Clarke/Smart and allows them to resign JJJ to a massive extension. That was my thought process on this trade proposal. Ingram would only be a 1 year rental, and allows them to reset their cap situation after this year.
Gotcha. Makes more sense.
you guys all make valid points !
12-13 player rotation is not going to work. Yes, it’s great if Curry and Dray are well-rested and not over worked. It’s almost like the team was built to make a big trade. I can see that they will be showcasing some players.
It worked last night though? You might need to bend and admit I was right about everything I have ever said about GSW on here!!!
Last night wasn’t a regular thing.., it was a blowout by the third quarter. This wasn’t a snapshot of the regular rotation and minutes.
In fact I think they’re still trying to figure out what the rotation will be. That’s aside from Santos and Waters already being told they’re out of the rotation.
I think Kerr is gunna mix and match his 12 depending on opponent, and Santos and Waters are the garbage timers along with the 3 2W players.
That said, it seems aside from “best 5 vs best 5” matchups, I dont see GSW losing many other matchups once any of the opponents top 5 starts resting.
Oct 24 take: This Warriors team is the best in the West as long as Steph and Dray stay healthy.
That Houston-Washington-Boston-Cleveland-OKC road trip coming up soon will really show how good this team is. No b2b’s on it too, so they should be playing everyone.
Yes that road trip will definitely be something to watch.
ONE No mention of Melton by you guys. He was all over the court. Energy squared. TWO He and Hield are Klay1 and Klay2. And yes, I was ready to ditch Klay mid-season last year. Wow, what a difference. THREE 2022 Wiggins is back. Corny but it kinda gave me goosebumps. FOUR Michol, “rotation based on seniority or vets feelings”? TJD started. Vet? Senior? Nothing indicated a favoring of vets feelings. Curry 1 rebound shy of triple double and sat for last 16 minutes. Tree meet forest. FIVE The thing about a 12 man rotation that is not being mentioned is that if 1 or 2 or 3 or even 4 of the 12 are struggling, get hurt, have foul trouble, can’t play cuz of illness or a minor injury, then you still have a solid remaining rotation. And 15 minutes one night could be 25 the next. 12 guys get regular minutes, every night and are fresh and ready. FIVEb 8 or 9 from last year become 5 with in-game or pregame set backs. SIX everyone please research the 1975 Warriors. You’ll see an eerie comp
Looney has no ego ! :)
I want Podz, TJD, Moody, and Kuminga to play and have confidence. I want them prioritized.
Michol, Podz and TJD played 25 minutes–tied for most last night. Kuminga 20. Moody 15. Hield Green Wiggins Melton should get less? Did you see how those 4 played last night? When they don’t play the worst team in Western Conference, you want your 4 getting priority? Cmon man, make some sense.
The vets know how to play already and Kerr knows exactly what to expect out of them, GP2 for example. It’s the young guys we need to work on… we need to make sure they are battle tested, confident, and ready at season end. How? They need to play… no more scrimmages and G league.
Training camp is over. GP2 plays excellent D and the youngins can watch and learn. 14 minutes, 3 steals and 3 assists for GP2. I’m pretty sure the goal is to win. Again, training camp is over.
claude raymond, good stuff.
ONE, Agree, Melton was excellent. Devincenzo-like. Great bench vibes, also.
TWO: Agree, Hield + Melton is better than Klay, but how about Hield + Melton is better than Klay + CP3 of last year?
THREE: I need to see more than 1 game from Wiggins. Fingers crossed.
FIVE: Disagree here on the value of 12 guys, but the main things is that the front-office is relentlessly pursuing a big fish (see my post, above), so I don’t think this lasts.
Yes Melton was fantastic. In fact I think he’s a huge addition to the team. I just hope he stays healthy the entire year. Great two-way player and his shooting provides quite a lift too. Love it.
I mean, everyone but Kuminga played excellent. Kuminga was mid. We won by 35. I am sure everyone except him is ok with this.
1975 Warriors. One star. Rick Barry had an amazing season. Finished 4th in mvp voting cuz writers didn’t like him. 31ppg, 46%fg, No 3 pt line, 90% ft, 6reb avg, 6 assists avg, 3 steals avg(led league. That season easily gets an mvp today. 2nd best player. Jamaal Wilkes. 14ppg. Won ROY. 10 players averaged 10+ minutes a game. Played heavily favored Bullets in finals. Why heavily favored? 3 stars. Elvin Hayes (3rd in mvp voting), Phil Chenier (8th) and Wes Unseld (9th). Hayes and Unseld future HOFers. Warriors swept them 4-0 in finals. Barry was phenomenol. I think I’m making an obvious point with this post. One star, a ROY and 8 other TEAM players that loved playing what minutes they played. Swept a team with multiple stars. And today’s team. Curry the star. Green and Wiggins one time Allstars and 9 other (10 with Waters who shoots 3s like they’re layups) very good players that bust a** because they can in somewhat short bursts. And Aristotle, if there is a trade (Kuminga needs change of scenery IMO, not great last night), then this depth will be prepared. Anyway, a large rotation has worked before, albeit 50 years ago.
I can see it, but that’s too long ago. This lineup is 2021-22 on steroids:
Wiggins = Wiggins
Curry = Curry
Looney = Looney
Kuminga = Kuminga
Moody = Moody
GP2 = GP2
Dray = Dray
Poole = Melton
Lee = Podz
Bjelica = Slomo
JTA = Santos
Klay = Buddy
Iggy = TJD
Otto = Lindy
Chiozza = Beekman
Claude Raymond, the 2021-22 Warriors prove your point about the viability of single superstar lineups.
As regards a long bench of happy players, keep in mind that the economics of the NBA are vastly different than 1975, as are players’ expectations.
In “real” (economic, time adjusted) dollars, pro athletes today make 15x to 50x what they did 50 years ago. In 1975, most NBA players needed off-season jobs. Today, a good contract means “generational wealth”. It’s an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime.
Playing fewer minutes than you would on other teams can translate into losing 10’s of millions of dollars. That’s why long benches are unhappy benches.
Remember, this long bench isn’t by choice. The Warriors have attempted 4 acquisitions of superstars in the last 7 months, and Lakob says they are still trying.
Its the Blazers. Talk about getting carried away after one game. It’s the second half of the season reality will kick in. Kerr also had depth with team USA.
It’s happened. Sure different era, different $. I’m just pointing out it’s happened. And like you say it happened in 22. Time will tell and I’m not afraid to be wrong.
Claude Raymond,
Love your optimism, but we know that the Warriors don’t believe they win a Chip this with the current lineup. Lakob and Dunleavy have both said so.
They tried but failed to land LeBron, George, Markkanen and Towns. I expect some transactions that reduce the rotation and add talent to the top.
So, Kerr couldn’t find minutes for Jason Tatum but somehow can for Lindy Waters.
Waters is a better shooter. Just kidding !! Seriously trying to make a joke.
Yeah puzzling for sure. One of the best players in the world and he rides the pine on the Olympic team.
In defense of Kerr, I’m wondering if it comes out in 10 years that for some reason he didn’t want to overwork a guy who just played 110 games of intense NBA basketball and be accused of grinding the Celtics Star into the ground as an advantage for the coming season? You know, that he’ll purposely wear him out?
I know that’s a reach but it crossed my mind. But seriously, who knows what’s up with this one.
I find it hard to believe a line up without a traditional 2 like Steph, Bron, Tatum, KD and Bam couldn’t thrive. That line up would cause all sorts of trouble defensively. Turnovers galore, get out and run. Anyways, it’s done, over. I’m glad it played out like it did. Boston’s two all stars who still aren’t in their prime still have motivation and chips on their shoulder. Team USA has always prioritised seniority, ask LeBronze, Wade, Melo.
Seriously, Gary? Tatum had his chances during both the exhibition & Olympic tournament games, but played poorly. Every observer said he looked tight and indecisive.
Durant’s a killer. He’s never failed to deliver in big games, including the Olympics. And, he’s TEAM first.
Easy choice for Kerr, no matter what Tatum’s mother says. And the OG’s weren’t cool with Tatum’s pouting act.
warriors/ team usa. apples meet oranges.
Knee cola yoke itch, are you talking about Olympics?
Tatum played more than 11 minutes in the final game against France, scored 2pts on 1-for-3 shooting, and got torched defending the perimeter.
That stage was too big for Tatum. Kerr gave his minutes to Jrue Holliday and Derek White.