X-factor with strong impact on Warriors playoff run: The rotation
How Kerr opts to use his bench is going to be a major X-factor.
Unlike past Golden State teams, the Warriors are laced with talent at almost every position, outside of point guard. For the two guard, there’s Gary Payton II and Damion Lee. Even Moses Moody exploded this season and may have a right to minutes in the playoffs.
At the three, there’s Andre Iguodala and Jonathan Kuminga. Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica will get some frontcourt run for the Warriors with potentially James Wiseman mixed in there if he’s able to return.
Kerr usually only has about 8 in his playoff rotation, and figuring that out isn’t going to be easy. While it’s not quite an X-factor in terms of impacting the playoffs with the instant impact, how Kerr options to bring his second unit into the game will be huge for the Dubs’ success.
To make it even more difficult, Kerr will have just a month to figure out how he plans to ensure that level of success given all the consistently changing pieces due to injury and rest.