Five Warriors roles up for grabs in training camp this year
During the glory years, Warriors coach Steve Kerr relied on a fairly predictable bench rotation. Andre Iguodala was the Sixth Man, Shaun Livingston the backup point guard and David West or Kevon Looney generally the first big man to enter.The bench scorer was something of relay among guards, from Leandro Barbosa to Ian Clark to Nick Young to Quinn Cook or Damion Lee.Then: Opponents knew what was coming and rarely were able to do anything about it.Now: Opponents don’t know what’s coming, and neither do the Warriors.Here is a look at five roles to be determined in the coming weeks as the Warriors open full-squad training camp Monday at Chase Center.
Two very different players, neither with the comprehensive tool kit possessed by Iguodala.
But whomever is most effective will earn the majority of playing time.
Iguodala greased the offense, but his greatest asset was changing the defensive tone. Poole has the tools, scoring and creating, to do that for the offense. Teams tend to give their first-round picks a long look, and he’ll get that.
Though Bazemore has evolved into a decent 3-point shooter, his greatest assets are on defense, where he can guard three positions and use his activity and 7-foot wingspan to replicate some of the impact attributed to Iguodala.
What to expect: If Kerr and his staff want offense, they’ll turn to Poole. If they seek defense, Bazemore gets the call. Both will have opportunities, based on need.
Though Barbosa came close, bringing tremendous energy to get to the cup or firing from deep, the Warriors even at their best have not had an instant-offense ace along the lines of a Lou Williams or Eric Gordon.
Poole, at age 21, is the best bet to become that dude. He’s a natural scorer, with a good midrange game and a 3-ball that should land north of 35 percent. As he gets stronger, and he’s already on that program, he’ll find ways to score in the paint.
Lee is an effort guy with a good shot. He fought his way into the NBA and remains because he can drain 3s. In two seasons with the Warriors, he’s shooting 36.5 percent from deep and has made as many as five in one game.
What to expect: Poole will get chances to prove he’s ready, possibly addressing two issues. Kerr is big on trust. Lee has it. Poole must earn it. If he does, the job is his.
Surprised? You should be, as Looney spent most of his five-year NBA career at center.
Depending on matchups and his outside shot, though, Looney could get some looks. Recruited to UCLA as a scorer, a litany of injuries has stolen some agility. Word is he’s regaining some of it while getting comfortable with his corner 3. Minutes at the four are possible.
Paschall was among the league’s surprises last season, largely because he’s more explosive than he looks, given his brawny frame. He has scoring ability. He can rebound Kerr hopes he can give the Warriors some of what P.J. Tucker gives the Rockets.
What to expect: Paschall gets first dibs, as he can play the four in most lineups. We’ve seen Looney guard opposing fours. If he can stretch the floor, he could get minutes next to rookie James Wiseman.
We exclude Looney from this competition because Kerr prefers to use him off the bench. It’s not to suggest he won’t get starts, but he’d be the third choice in that role.
Teams don’t draft someone No. 2 overall to play 14 minutes a night as a reserve. But Wiseman is only 19, with a wafer-thin hoops resumé. He might start at some point this season, but it’s hard to imagine in the first month or two.
Meanwhile, Chriss is a talented default option. He’s hyperactive, a superb passer and a decent paint presence. Blowing past Willie Cauley-Stein on the depth chart last season, Chriss was the most impressive big on a bad team. It just makes sense that he’s the likeliest option.
What to expect: Unless Wiseman immediately plays like a five-year vet, Chriss opens as starting center. From there, it’s a matter of time before Wiseman moves into that spot.
Due to the anticipated effects of COVID-19, 2020-21 active rosters are expected to expand from 13 to 15. The Warriors have 12 virtual locks, leaving three open spots.
Smailagic has a guaranteed contract for this season, while both Mulder and Toscano-Anderson enter camp with non-guaranteed deals. Both can be guaranteed if on the roster at certain points during the season. All three have the advantage of being on the roster last season and, therefore, and are the best bets to be on the roster.
Rookie Nico Mannion doesn’t count because he’s on a two-way contract. Rookie Justinian Jessup doesn’t count, either, as he’s playing in Australia.
Among training camp invitees, French wing Axel Toupane is on an Exhibit 10 contract, giving him a leg up on big man Kaleb Watson and wing Dwayne Sutton. Any of these three would have to slide past Mulder or Toscano-Anderson -- or else hope for a two-way deal.
With uncertainty about the G League season -- many teams are indicating they’ll opt out -- the NBA might be the only option.
