3 Different Starting Lineups The Warriors Could Use For The 2024-25 NBA Season

The Golden State Warriors have moved on from Klay Thompson , one half of the Splash Brother who is not only an elite shooter but a key member of a dynasty that won four NBA titles. However, Thompson has exited in his prime and it was time to move on, meaning the Warriors have brought in new players such as Buddy Hield , De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. The Warriors still have Stephen Curry to lead the charge alongside Draymond Green , so there are three different starting lineups they can use for the 2024-25 season.

Starting Lineup 1: Traditional Lineup

Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green

The traditional lineup leverages the Warriors' core strengths while integrating a mix of experience and youth. Stephen Curry remains the anchor of the offense, coming off another stellar season where he averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game on 40.8% from three. His ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities is unparalleled. Pairing him with Buddy Hield, a career 40.0% three-point shooter, ensures that the team has ample shooting to keep defenses honest. Hield's addition also means Curry can play off the ball more, utilizing his movement to create space for others.

Andrew Wiggins provides the athleticism and defensive prowess needed on the wing. Last season, Wiggins averaged 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds while often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player. His versatility allows him to switch to multiple positions, which is crucial for the Warriors' defensive schemes. Jonathan Kuminga , entering his fourth season in 2024-25, offers explosive athleticism and potential on both ends of the floor. In his sophomore season, Kuminga showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in a breakout season. His development is key to this lineup, providing a dynamic option at the forward spot.

Draymond Green, the defensive anchor and playmaking forward, ties the lineup together. Green’s ability to guard multiple positions, orchestrate the offense, and form chemistry with Curry is invaluable. Last season, Green averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, showcasing his all-around impact. This lineup aims to balance offensive firepower with defensive tenacity, relying on the proven synergy between Curry and Green, while incorporating Hield's shooting and Kuminga's athletic growth.

Starting Lineup 2: Size And Defense

Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney

This lineup prioritizes size and defense, providing a robust frontcourt that can control the paint and protect the rim. Stephen Curry continues to lead the backcourt, with Buddy Hield complementing him as a sharpshooter. Hield's presence ensures that spacing remains optimal, allowing Curry to operate freely. Hield's career 15.5 points per game and 40.0% shooting from beyond the arc make him a reliable secondary scoring option.

Andrew Wiggins remains at the small forward position, but the emphasis here is on defensive versatility and rebounding. Wiggins' length and athleticism are crucial for guarding wings and switching onto smaller guards when necessary. Draymond Green shifts to the power forward spot, where his defensive IQ and playmaking skills shine. Green’s ability to facilitate the offense and his leadership on defense is critical, especially when paired with Kevon Looney.

Kevon Looney rounds out this lineup, providing size and rebounding at the center position. Looney has been a consistent performer for the Warriors, known for his rebounding and defensive capabilities. Last season, Looney averaged 4.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, often stepping up in crucial moments. His presence allows Green to roam defensively and take on more challenging assignments. This lineup focuses on controlling the boards, protecting the rim, and maintaining defensive integrity, making it ideal for matchups against bigger teams.

Starting Lineup 3: Floor-Spacing

Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green

The floor-spacing lineup maximizes shooting and offensive versatility, designed to create as much space as possible for Stephen Curry to operate. Curry's unparalleled shooting and playmaking abilities remain the centerpiece, but this lineup introduces Brandin Podziemski, a promising young guard known for his shooting prowess. Last year, Podziemski showcased his scoring ability, averaging 9.2 points per game with a 38.5% shooting percentage from three-point range. His ability to knock down shots and handle the ball provides an additional perimeter threat alongside Curry.

Buddy Hield moves to the small forward position in this lineup, further emphasizing shooting. With Hield and Podziemski on the floor together, the Warriors have multiple elite shooters who can spread the defense thin. This setup allows for constant off-ball movement, backdoor cuts, and spacing that Curry can exploit. Jonathan Kuminga remains in the lineup, but his role shifts slightly to leverage his athleticism in a more open floor. Kuminga's ability to slash to the basket and finish above the rim adds another dimension to this floor-spacing lineup.

Draymond Green continues as the anchor but with an increased focus on facilitating from the high post or perimeter. Green’s playmaking is crucial in a lineup designed to maximize spacing, as he can find shooters or cutters with ease. His defensive versatility also ensures that the team does not sacrifice too much on that end of the floor. This lineup aims to outscore opponents with a barrage of three-pointers and constant movement, capitalizing on Curry's gravity and the shooting abilities of Hield and Podziemski.

Which Lineup Should The Warriors Use In 2024-25?

For the 2024-25 season, the Warriors should prioritize the Traditional Lineup of Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green. This lineup balances offensive firepower with defensive stability, leveraging Curry's scoring and playmaking, Hield's elite shooting, Wiggins' versatility, Kuminga's athleticism, and Green's leadership and defensive acumen. It offers a well-rounded approach that can consistently perform throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.

As the second option, the Size and Defense Lineup with Curry, Hield, Wiggins, Green, and Kevon Looney provides a robust frontcourt presence, enhanced rebounding, and rim protection. This lineup is ideal for matchups against bigger, more physical teams, ensuring the Warriors maintain defensive integrity while still benefiting from Hield's shooting and Curry's playmaking.

The Floor-Spacing Lineup of Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Hield, Kuminga, and Green serves as a strong situational option, maximizing three-point shooting and offensive versatility. While it may sacrifice some defensive stability, this lineup creates immense spacing and allows Curry to exploit defenses more effectively. This lineup should be utilized when the Warriors need to outscore opponents with a barrage of three-pointers.

Related: 3 Different Starting Lineups The Lakers Could Use For The 2024-25 NBA Season

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