3 roster battles for Golden State Warriors fans to watch in preseason action

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Stephen Curry #30 and Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 105 to 97 during Game Six of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Stephen Curry #30 and Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 105 to 97 during Game Six of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors preseason match to watch: Damion Lee vs. Mychal Mulder

The Warriors shooting guard battle is going to be one that flows into the regular season. Kerr may end up just going with the hot hand instead of an organized rotation of players.

At the two, Kerr will have to decide from Jordan Poole, Damion Lee, Mychal Mulder and Moses Moody.

Moody is a rookie, and while he may be the best defensive option given his size and wingspan, it’s unlikely he has any claim to many minutes. Poole is going to be the starter, so until Klay Thompson returns, he’ll likely get the gig. He started the first preseason game.

As for Lee against Mulder, the difference is really Lee’s playmaking.

Both played many minutes during the 2019-2020 season. Mulder didn’t play too great in that season, as it was his first in the NBA. Last season, he neared 40 percent from deep. That’s his core strength, but his playmaking aside from his shooting isn’t great.

Lee should have the better claim to backup guard minutes as he totaled 12.7 points per game two seasons ago and 6.5 last season. Lee was even closer than Mulder to 40 percent from deep. Both players’ effective field goal rate topped 60 percent.

We’ll see how this battle pans out, but it appears Lee will have the edge for now.