Golden State Warriors: Who will make the final rotations?
By Tony Pesta
Now that the Golden State Warriors are (nearly) back to full strength, it’s time to make the tough decision of who is going to be cut from the final rotations.
It’s a blessing and a curse for the Dubs to see the rebirth of Strength in Numbers this season. Sure, there have been timely contributions all across the roster but the truth is most role players are inconsistent — and the Warriors have seen firsthand how constantly shifting rotations can lead to slumps.
The Golden State Warriors should look to lock in a consistent rotation in order to build some chemistry before the postseason begins.
Golden State has a chance to gain momentum and set a rotation in stone before the playoffs start. This would reassure everyone of their role and allow the team to build chemistry down the stretch.
The question is, who makes the cut?
Locks for heavy minutes in the playoffs
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole
We can rest assured that these six players will be suiting up for heavy minutes each night in the playoffs. It’s so obvious that we won’t even waste time explaining why.
Veterans who are too valuable not to play in the playoffs
Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter Jr.
While Andre Iguodala is certainly past his prime, it is hard to imagine the Warriors going deep into the playoffs without relying on his defensive prowess and experience to lead them through difficult matchups.
The same goes for Otto Porter, who is shooting nearly 40 percent from the 3-point line this season and can provide a steady hand on both sides of the floor in crucial games.
Specialist players who can provide a spark
Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II
In the deep reserves are a collection of young talent and a scrappy guard who is willing to do whatever it takes to win a basketball game in Gary Payton II.
Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody might be rookies but they have proven they are capable of lighting a fire under this Warriors team when they get onto the floor. They won’t be counted on to play each night but the rookies are worth plugging in whenever the team is feeling sluggish.
Then, there is James Wiseman, who might end up higher on this list if he is healthy and in stride by the time the playoffs start. The Dubs could use his size but his lack of experience will likely lead to Looney playing the bulk of the minutes.
Just barely on the outside looking in
Damion Lee, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Nemanja Bjelica
It would not surprise me in the slightest to see these three players receive consistent minutes in the postseason depending on the matchup. Yet, Damion Lee, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Nemanja Bjelica will probably not make the cut each night.
Lee has become the odd-man-out with Thompson, Poole, Moody and Payton all volleying for minutes over him.
Meanwhile, Bjelica has been far too inconsistent, shooting below 34 percent from the 3-point line and holding the Warriors back defensively with his lack of mobility.
Then, there is JTA, who honestly could be considered a specialist player who can provide a spark in key moments. Nonetheless, Anderson probably falls behind Green, Wiggins, Iguodala, Porter and Kuminga in the grand scheme of things.