Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is sticking with his current starting five but has already warned that the small-ball experiment won’t last the entire season.
For their upcoming Friday night matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, Kerr confirmed that Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green will open the game. This lineup has helped Golden State start the season with a perfect 2-0 record, including wins over the Lakers and an overtime thriller against the Denver Nuggets.
However, Kerr made it clear this isn’t a permanent solution. “The Draymond at the five thing can’t be an 82-game thing,” the Warriors coach stated, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
While Green’s defensive versatility and high basketball IQ make him effective at center, his 6-foot-6 frame poses challenges against bigger opponents night after night. The physical toll of playing center regularly has not gone unnoticed by Green himself.
“Playing the five, it’s too much. And I’m always down to do it, as you know, bro, like any challenge you’re talking about, but it’s a hard battle every night. Guys who outweigh me by 60 to 80 pounds, four inches, five inches, six, seven inches taller than me,” Green said earlier.
### Why Green Can’t Play Center All Season
Using Green at center works well in short stretches. The Warriors famously employed this strategy during their championship runs with the “Death Lineup,” which revolutionized small-ball basketball.
But asking Green to battle seven-footers for 82 games would wear him down physically.
In Thursday’s win over Denver, Kerr showcased an alternative plan by deploying a bigger lineup featuring both Green and Al Horford on the court together. This combination helped the Warriors somewhat handle Nikola Jokic and ultimately secure the victory.
While the small-ball approach remains effective, Kerr and the Warriors understand the need to mix lineups to keep their key players fresh throughout the demanding season.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-steve-kerr-admits-draymond-green-playing-82-game-thing
