Steve Kerr Discusses Klay Thompson Damage, James Wiseman, Warriors Lineup

Golden Declare Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is planning for the 2020-21 season with out Klay Thompson however acknowledges the broad loss with the guard out for the three hundred and sixty five days with an Achilles harm. 

“There would possibly be positively a gap with Klay no longer being there,” Kerr talked about Tuesday, per Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports. “There could be a gap in the lineup and there is a gap in our hearts, appropriate because he’s this form of enormous portion of who we are.”

This would possibly presumably per chance per chance moreover very properly be the 2d straight missed season for Thompson, who didn’t play in 2019-20 while convalescing from a torn ACL. The team struggled to a 15-50 file excellent three hundred and sixty five days—worst in the NBA—however will as a minimal return Stephon Curry after getting appropriate five games out of the two-time MVP.

A healthy Draymond Green provides a 2d key portion of the team’s core, even though Kerr talked about he believes there are “potentially” four spots already design on the birth lineup with Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins moreover taking part in.

“I point out, it would possibly per chance maybe presumably per chance per chance be onerous for me to no longer stumble on Kelly and Andrew starting up on the wings,” the coach talked about, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

Oubre has long previous from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns to the Warriors over the previous few seasons (plus just a few days with the Oklahoma City Verbalize), however he would possibly presumably per chance per chance contain a serious role with his unique team thanks to his defensive capability.

“(Wizards coach) Scott (Brooks) told me that he felt like Kelly was at his most spirited on the ball,” Kerr talked about. “He’s received a toughness about him. I envision us the utilization of Kelly a lot on the ball.”

With Oubre and Wiggins each listed at 6’7″, the team’s length on the perimeter would possibly presumably per chance per chance design off complications for opposing teams.

It leaves simplest the heart grunt up for grabs entering practicing camp, with No. 2 total draft rob James Wiseman seemingly taking part in a serious role. Kerr showed his excitement for the participant’s capability however needs to temper expectations:

“James’ capability athletically is so dramatic that he’ll contain a likelihood to step in and help us because he’s so athletic and dynamic. However there’s a ton to be taught and he would now not contain the value of a summer season league and a summer season of exercises. Loads to rob up on. I’m angry for James, however moreover desire to evangelise caution for each person no longer to inquire of too principal too quickly. He played three college games. He has somewhat just a few things to be taught.”

Kevon Looney would possibly presumably per chance per chance commence the season starting up on the 5 thanks to his experience, while Marquese Chriss is one other option for Golden Declare.