The Golden State Warriors could be heading into the new NBA season with an unexpected starting five revealed by Steve Kerr.
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined indefinitely, head coach Steve Kerr has revealed he is leaning toward starting Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg and Gui Santos when the Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21.
The potential lineup would see 24-year-old Santos handed a starting role, while veteran center Al Horford is expected to come off the bench.
Kerr explained that Horford’s minutes restriction is a major factor behind the decision, according to the New York Post.
“Al could be in there, but just given where he is minutes-wise per game, if the guy is going to play 20 [minutes], which is probably the limit or where we’d like him to average, it’s just a lot easier to bring him off the bench,” Kerr told reporters Monday.
“I also like the idea of having Draymond or Al on the court as often as possible to anchor our defense, so, yeah, I’m leaning that way.”
The uncertainty surrounding Porzingis has complicated Golden State’s preparations, with the big man missing the entire preseason due to an undisclosed health issue.
Kerr confirmed that Porzingis is scheduled to meet with Warriors director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini on Tuesday to determine the next steps.
“All of that will be determined once we get him back here and have discussions and figure out where he is and all that stuff,” Kerr said.
The Warriors are also expected to be without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody for the opening months of the season, creating further opportunities for the team’s younger players.
Santos could be one of the biggest beneficiaries after starting 30 games last season, averaging 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
The Brazilian forward, selected with the 55th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, signed a three-year, $15 million extension with Golden State in February.
With several key players unavailable, Kerr now faces the challenge of establishing a reliable rotation before the Warriors begin their regular-season campaign against Los Angeles.
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