The Golden State Warriors have again been hit by the league’s ongoing covid outbreak, with small forward Andrew Wiggins now joining Jordan Poole in health and safety protocols.
Latest Warriors injury report: Andrew Wiggins has been placed in health and safety protocols.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 20, 2021
It’s a heavy blow for the Warriors who’ll now be down at least two starters for Monday’s clash with the Sacramento Kings.
Andrew Wiggins will be sidelined in COVID-19 health and safety protocols while the Golden State Warriors seek a quick replacement.
But as they say; crisis creates opportunity. Wiggins’ absence will undoubtedly be difficult to replace, but it does open the door for another player to stamp their footprint on this dramatic season.
So what options does Steve Kerr have at his disposal, and what’s the most likely combination we’ll see come tip-off? Here are the three realistic options:
1. Jonathan Kuminga
Certainly the most fascinating and exciting option, Kuminga was given the starting small forward role as a host of players sat out Saturday’s loss in Toronto. He took the opportunity with both hands, scoring 26 points on impressive shooting numbers from the floor.
As impressive as he was, there are clear question marks that would have Kerr tentative in trusting his 19-year old rookie. In contrast with the Raptors matchup where he was given a license to explore his offensive arsenal, can Kuminga be just as effective in a lesser role with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green set to return? Was his 4-6 shooting from deep enough to suggest he can be a consistent perimeter threat?
From a stylistic standpoint, Kuminga is arguably the most like-for-like replacement for Wiggins. As a similarly long, athletic two-way player, he could provide some of what the Warriors will lose in Wiggins’ absence.
2. Andre Iguodala
If Kerr wants to prioritize experience and team chemistry, then Iguodala is the clear choice. His style next to Green and Curry is more than proven, meaning Kerr will likely look to him in closing line-ups to finish games.
But by the same token, the same attributes also lend him to be a calming presence whenever Curry is off the floor. It’s for this reason that the veteran is unlikely to gain a start, with Kerr expected to retain him as the quality bench piece that’s made him so valuable throughout his Warrior career.
3. Otto Porter Jr.
With Green and Kevon Looney in the frontcourt, Kerr would be hesitant in putting out another non-threat from the perimeter. It’s why Porter Jr. seems like the most logical option, with the 28-year old shooting 39.4% from downtown on the season.
Although Kuminga and Iguodala bring their own attributes, the inconsistent three-point shooting could cause an over-reliance on Curry. Although Porter Jr. is more of a four at this point in his career, and Kerr has often shown a preference towards defense over offense, the shooting prowess should probably take precedence over those potential question marks.
The choice of starting small forward will also be influenced by Kerr’s choice to cover Poole at shooting guard. If he were to go with Moses Moody as he did against Boston, then that practically rules out any chance Kuminga may have of a second career start.