Why did the Warriors decide to start Andrew Wiggins at shooting guard?

The decision to start Andrew Wiggins at shooting guard in the Warriors' season opener was driven by a strategic need to compensate for Klay Thompson's absence. Coach Steve Kerr adopted a "replacement-by-committee" approach, with Wiggins emerging as the most suitable candidate to fill the role. The choice was primarily based on Wiggins’ defensive abilities and previous experience playing alongside Stephen Curry. His combination of size (6'7", 215 lbs) and agility makes him an ideal defender against larger, skilled guards like Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards. This defensive versatility is essential for the Warriors, who need to maintain strong perimeter defense even without Thompson.

Wiggins has previously taken on significant defensive responsibilities, notably when he was assigned to guard Dončić during the 2022 Western Conference Finals. His ability to match up against elite scorers and physically disrupt their rhythm allows the Warriors to maintain a level of defensive intensity and adaptability. By assigning Wiggins to these challenging defensive tasks, the Warriors can cover some of the gaps left by Thompson’s absence, who traditionally took on the role of guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

Initially, De’Anthony Melton was a strong contender for the starting shooting guard spot. He received significant consideration, especially after Wiggins missed the first week of training camp due to an illness. However, Wiggins returned for the last two preseason games and delivered strong performances that underscored his readiness. His familiarity with the team’s system and his existing chemistry with Curry also played a significant role in the coaching staff’s decision to start him. Melton's case was strong, but Wiggins' ability to seamlessly integrate into the starting lineup gave him the edge.

Coach Kerr emphasized that the lineup’s potential lies in its athleticism and size, which could set a defensive tone right from the start. Wiggins is a key part of this defensive strategy, which also includes Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis, both of whom add size and rim protection. Kerr hopes this lineup can apply consistent pressure on the defensive end while pushing the pace offensively. Playing at a high tempo allows the Warriors to exploit fast breaks, a strategy that suits Wiggins’ athleticism and ability to finish at the rim.

Though Wiggins’ primary role is defensive, there are significant offensive expectations. Coach Kerr has challenged him to be more aggressive with his perimeter shooting, aiming for six or seven three-point attempts per game, with a target shooting percentage in the 38-40% range. Achieving this would not only add a reliable scoring option but also improve the team’s spacing, giving Curry more room to operate. Wiggins has shown that he can contribute offensively, and the coaching staff is keen on seeing him take on a larger role in that regard.

This decision also affects the roles of other players, particularly Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Kuminga will play at small forward, a position that matches his size and skill set, but one where he has struggled at times. The coaching staff sees this as an opportunity for Kuminga to develop further in a role that can maximize his potential. Jackson-Davis, meanwhile, is set to start at center, providing the Warriors with additional rim protection and allowing Green to support both the interior and perimeter defense.

In essence, Wiggins’ size, defensive skills, and established rapport with Curry made him the logical choice to start at shooting guard. His role will be critical in maintaining defensive pressure while also contributing offensively. The Warriors see this lineup as a way to blend size, speed, and versatility, which they hope will allow them to dictate the pace of the game and control key matchups. However, Coach Kerr remains open to adjustments, and the lineup could evolve as the season progresses, depending on team performance and individual development.