Back in the mid-2010s, when the Warriors were first establishing the foundation of their dynasty, the phrase ‘strength in numbers’ was almost inescapable. It was a clear, straightforward, and not overly complex motto that was easy for a fanbase to get behind.
As the Warriors eventually moved into the ‘super-team’ era of their dynasty, with the addition of Kevin Durant, ‘strength in numbers’ became less prominent in the overall complexion of the Warriors. The idea of ‘strength in numbers’ was still there, but everyone knew the perception of the team had much more to do with the nearly unparalleled level of top-tier star power inhabiting the top of the roster. Now, as the Warriors try to squeeze every last drop possible out of whatever remains of their dynasty, ‘strength in numbers’ once again feels increasingly fitting.
Warriors Strength in Numbers Revitalized
Steve Kerr Still Evaluating Rotation
It’s no secret that much of the Warriors’ early season success has been due to their depth. Stephen Curry has been dynamic as always, but there’s no denying his supporting cast has been equally impressive. With four players averaging double figures scoring and a bench unit averaging a league-leading 55 points per game, the Warriors have jumped out to an 11-3 record, implementing a ‘death by a thousand cuts’ sort of attack. With so many quality rotational pieces at Coach Steve Kerr’s disposal, much has been made about how best to divvy up playing time. There are only so many minutes to go around, so while it is a luxury for Kerr to have such an array of options, it’s still a challenge nonetheless.
According to Kendra Andrews of ESPN, it has always been the Warriors’ intention to let Kerr use the first 30 games of the 2024-2025 season to figure out a consistent starting unit and regular rotation. This report should come as little surprise, as the Warriors have already tried out eight different starting lineups. While some of those lineup changes have been due to injuries, the Warriors also have a lot of deserving guys. Additionally, anyone paying attention to the reports that came out during the Warriors’ training camp should have seen this fluctuating rotation coming. Outside of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, there is really no one—as of now at least—who should reasonably expect to consistently start and finish every game.
The Last Word
‘Strength in numbers’ has once again become a fitting slogan for the Golden State Warriors. Their depth is currently their greatest strength, and Kerr’s ability to deploy said depth thus far has been masterful. Second-year GM Mike Dunleavy Jr has also done a bang-up job of crafting a team that is versatile and able to play a handful of different ways. By having such a malleable roster, the Warriors can tweak their rotation on a night-to-night basis, to better attack any given situation. In need of more perimeter shooting, the Warriors can lean more heavily on players like Buddy Hield and Lindy Waters III. In need of more defensive switchability, the Warriors can call on players like Kyle Anderson or Gary Payton II.
As Kerr continues to nail down a more consistent rotation, players deserving of minutes may have to sacrifice a bit of playing time here and there. However, in the long run, all that will likely do is keep guys fresher and healthier as the season wears on. If Steph Curry, who is currently playing just 29.2 minutes per game, can be that much more vitalized by his reduced workload as the playoffs near, then it’ll all be worth it. For any rotational player on the Warriors who may be feeling put off by a potential reduction in role or minutes, just ask Andre Iguodala or David Lee what could be waiting in exchange for sacrificing individual awards on a Curry-led title-contending team.
