Steve Kerr Has Sixth Man Role In Mind For Warriors Addition

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wants the sharpshooter on the floor when Stephen Curry is off of it. As a result, Melton —who has played well this preseason —has “the inside track” on a starting spot.

A(nother) Decision To Question

Kerr has been heavily criticized for his rotation decisions, even before the Paris Olympics. Jonathan Kuminga, a star-caliber lottery pick, is being implored to separate himself from the pack as if he hasn’t already. Moses Moody has received the same directive, as if his standout performances evaporated into thin air.

Kerr’s innovative approach may have taken the league by storm, but it’s fair to question his decisions. Is he just dogmatic about running his system of is he unable to adapt to different personnel? Is he running a meritocracy or does his history with players mean more than maximizing their success?

Should Draymond Green continue to start when he’s their least threatening scorer? If he does start, should it be at center, where he might be more dynamic?

Frankly, Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins should probably be their starting forwards. Trayce Jackson-Davis, who can assume some of Green’s playmaking responsibilities, should probably be their starting center. Yet, Kerr’s so resistant to change, it’s almost impossible to see him taking this path without being forced too.

All of that being said, he isn’t wrong about how Hield should be used.

Why It’s The Right Call

Out of every player on their roster, Hield has the best chance of replacing Thompson’s shooting. That much is definitely true. However, last season, the Warriors’ offense stalled too easily when Curry was on the bench. It was so much of a problem that it even became a talking point for Kerr.

After all, Curry isn’t getting any younger and can’t be expected to carry the team as often as he did in years past.

As a result, Hield coming off the bench as a sixth man is actually shrewd decision. When Curry’s sitting, teams still have to worry about a point guard who can heat up from beyond the arc. He can still play alongside Curry too. If one of their wings can’t capitalize from beyond the arc, Hield can be the safety net.

As a former sixth overall pick who has started in two-thirds of the games he’s played, there’s going to be many who look at those circumstances, saying he should start.

Still, it’s not what’s best for the team. In fact, it’s not even what’s best for Curry. He doesn’t just need a great catch-and-shoot target alongside him in the backcourt but someone who can defend at a high level.