SAN FRANCISCO — Falling Golden State Warriors Changed the starting line-up. Jonathan Kaminga And bring Draymond Green Off the bench against Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Coach Steve Kerr said he wants to “take a look” at this starting lineup change and see how it plays out. The Warriors lost the first game with this change. 107-90 by the Timberwolves at Chase Center.
Green said he’s willing to come off the bench to help the Warriors win in the long run and help Kamanga develop.
“Of course, I’m fine with that,” Green said Friday night. “I’ve been one of JK’s biggest fans since he came here. And so you can’t be a hypocrite if he gets a chance to start, and [if] They are like we want him to start, but it will happen. [up to] You, you can’t be like, ah, it’s not for me, it doesn’t work. I want to see him do well.
“So if his opportunity passes me by, that’s it, he got the opportunity, he played great. [Thursday]. You want to give it another look or two or three or four or even longer. If it works, you keep it going.”
After starting 12-3, the Warriors have lost six of seven games. Cumminga scored 13 points in 29 minutes, but it was a terrible offensive night for the Warriors, who were held to 39 percent shooting overall and 3-for-11 (28.2%) by Minnesota’s defense.
On Thursday, the Warriors snapped a five-game losing streak with a 99-93 win. Houston Rockets. Kaminga showed off his potential, scoring a career-high 33 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter to lead the Warriors to victory despite Green and Green. Stephen Curry Sitting out with injuries.
“I don’t necessarily see it as a demotion,” said Green, a 13-year veteran. “I’m a starter in the NBA. I know that. But if it’s to try to help this team win, I’m always going to be there. I hate to lose.”
“I care about this organization, and I know a lot of people in this organization, including myself, think he’s next.
Starting with Kamanga at power forward Andrew Wiggins And Kevin Looney The frontcourt allowed Kerr to help Curry score in Kamunga and Wiggins while Green didn’t have to start at center and was wearing his best guard against opposing big men from the start of the game. . Green can also help organize the second unit and close the center half.
Kerr said he will have to see how the Wiggins (ankle) and ankle injuries affect his rotations. Moses Moody (Left knee pain). Both left the game due to injury and did not return. His status for Sunday’s rematch against the Timberwolves is uncertain.
“The idea is we’re trying to get the most out of Jonathan’s ability to go downhill, he’ll get more time,” Kerr said. “He and Wigs were fantastic. [against Houston]. We’re looking for ways to get those guys more involved and not wear out Draymond and Steph. It’s kind of a trick and finding the combination.”
The franchise sees Kamanga, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft, as a key piece to its future. The Warriors talked about acquiring another star in the offseason. UtahOf Lori Markkanen And Paul George Before signing with him Philadelphia In free agency. Ultimately, the Warriors resisted trading Kamanga and other assets. Brandon Podzemski.
Now is the time to see what Kamanga can do with a big opportunity.
“For our good, you see [what Kuminga did] In the Houston game, you saw flashes,” Curry said. “We need him to be the best version of himself. We’ve got to be able to figure out whether it’s the play calls, whether it’s specific rotations or lineup combinations, what can open up his ability to go downhill, pressure the basket, draw attention from the defense. He is a big weapon for us.
“… We’ve been a different team for the last three years, and it’s time to experiment with new styles, opening up new sets, trying to put the ball in his hands. We’ve certainly had it differently. I haven’t had results, so we’ve had to lean into it and maybe not every night, but that’s what we’re trying to build on.”
Kerr is looking for the right rotation after playing an 11- to 12-man rotation for most of this season.
For Green, he thinks it could be something that opens up possibilities for the Warriors. When David Lee was injured, Green stepped in as the starter and the Warriors won the championship in 2014-15.
“I’m a product of my doctor being willing to take a back seat for me,” Green said. “So you have to give back what came to you. That’s what it’s about.”