Golden State Warriors: Which lineups should the team run without Stephen Curry?
What if the Warriors want to go small?
- PG: D’Angelo Russell
- SG: Jordan Poole
- SF: Alec Burks
- PF: Jacob Evans
- C: Draymond Green
The point of a small-ball lineup is to try to create a mismatch of shooting, speed, and agility. This means that players are technically playing ‘out of position,’ but that is irrelevant.
If they can guard their opposing number, then they can be out there on the floor. The only player who may feel out of place in this lineup is Jacob Evans. However, he is very long, and despite his wiry frame, he is strong with good balance.
If Evans isn’t capable of defending power forwards in the NBA then Kerr could look to Robinson instead. Although, Evans is a better choice in my opinion because of what he provides on the offensive end.
The key to this lineup has always been Draymond Green. He has three rings on his hand that prove he can defend literally anyone in the NBA. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA which makes him perfect for the Warriors switching defense.
Must Read. Golden State Warriors: The “Death Lineup” remains alive and well. light
He is also one of the best defenders in the post with his superior strength and alien-like length. But what makes Green the best overall defender in the NBA right now is his ability to orchestrate the defense.
He is constantly talking to teammates, calling switches, reading plays, and when he needs to, coming over from the weak side to play help defense on drives. There is no other player like Green.
Offensively, this lineup will space the floor and they are all agile players who will know when to cut and when to set screens for their teammates. They’ll also play fast in transition with Green and Russell leading the break.
This will not have the same potency without Stephen Curry, but the Warriors will nonetheless be a formidable force when they go to their small-ball lineup.