Golden State Warriors: Starting Lineup Scenarios At Guard, Forward

The starting shooting guard and small forward positions have been two of the biggest topics of conversation this summer for the Golden State Warriors.

After seeming to have established the spots with Klay Thompson at guard and Harrison Barnes at forward, this summer’s signing of Andre Iguodala put a whole new twist on the positions. The question is which two of these three talented players will be among the five to step on the court starting the 2013-14 season.

It’s clear that Stephen Curry will take the other guard spot, while David Lee and Andrew Bogut will man the power forward and center position. Answers may come soon with training camp opening soon and the season beginning at the end of next month and it’s up to the Warriors staff to determine which five players best complement each other’s skills and play the style they want.

Does Klay Thompson need Iguodala next to him to cover up his liability on defense? Photo Credit: Nikk La, Flickr.com

Scenario 1 – Thompson at shooting guard, Iguodala at small forward:
This projection keeps the Splash Brothers together to continue their long-range deadly shooting combination that was on display during their playoff run last season. Since neither is known for their work on the defensive end, Iguodala can come in and take the pressure off them and guard the best opposing player on offense. Though Barnes isn’t as skilled offensively as Curry or Thompson, he can provide some scoring in the paint and on spot-ups when called upon from the bench.

Expect to see a lot of transition highlights thanks to Andre Iguodala’s defense. Photo Credit: Joseph Glorioso, Flickr.com

Scenario 2 – Iguodala at shooting guard, Barnes at small forward:
If improving on defense is a main focus in training camp, this is the best duo to reflect that in the starting lineup. Iguodala’s reputation was founded on his All-Defensive team work which, when combining his career-average 15.1 point per game, made him worth the four-year, $48 million contract he signed this summer. As Barnes developed his offense throughout the year, he was still able to make a big contribution with his defensive potential that was NBA-ready in his rookie year. With great defense though, comes great offense. This pairing can lead to plenty of transition opportunities, which is a highlight of the offensive game for both players. Forcing turnovers and then feeding Curry, Lee and Bogut on the other side can end terribly for whoever they face. This leaves Thompson on the bench, who can come in for instant offense and can find himself as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate as well.

If Harrison Barnes is starting, does he need an offensive- or defensive-oriented player next to him at shooting guard? (NBA.com photo)

Scenario 3 – Thompson at shooting guard, Barnes at small forward:
Sending out the young guns is another diverse advantage the Warriors have to work with. Third-year player Thompson and sophomore Barnes don’t have many miles on their career yet, so extended minutes shouldn’t be a problem with them. Their offensive games are good complements with Barnes inside and Thompson beyond the arc. Late last season and into the postseason, Golden State began picking up steam as an underdog Finals contender with these two starting. Coach Mark Jackson may want to continue where the team left off and continue to help them expand their game. Iguodala off the bench as a source of offense and lockdown defense can be an interesting twist for the Warriors.

Regardless of the decision that is made by Jackson, it’s clear that the Warriors source of deadly offense and defense. 2014 can be the year that Golden State goes from underdog to favorite.

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