Mailbag: How much longer will Kerr keep Oubre in starting lineup?
In the months leading up to the NBA draft, Warriors rookie center James Wiseman watched highlights of Lakers star Anthony Davis on YouTube. Wiseman studied Davis’ game, hoping to pick up hints as to how he too could also become one of the league’s transcendent big men. Wiseman will put that knowledge to the test when he faces his role model tonight, when the Warriors play the Lakers in Los Angeles.
“In the pre-draft process, I was just watching a lot of film on Anthony Davis — his different moves, how he attacks the basket,” Wiseman said Sunday. “So, I kind of know his game really well.”
Of course, Wiseman (averaging 11.3 points on 48.3% shooting, 6.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 0.4 assists per game), is far from reaching Davis’ stature (21.7 points on 54.5% shooting, 8.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game), but the Warriors hope he can learn from these matchups and blossom into an anchor on defense and a transformative player on offense. How Wiseman performs on this stage could buoy the Warriors’ confidence in their No. 2 overall pick.
Let’s tackle some of other big questions facing the Warriors ahead of tonight’s marquee matchup. As always, thanks to everyone who submitted questions. You can submit questions for future mailbags on Twitter or email them to wgoldberg@bayareanewsgroup.com.
When do we move Kelly Oubre Jr. out of the starting lineup ? — @ynreeeee
Steve Kerr this weekend said it’s too early to make any dramatic changes to the starting lineup, but added he will tinker with the rotation. Changes could be seen as early as tonight’s game against the Lakers. Specifically, Oubre’s role could be adjusted, and Kevon Looney and Eric Paschall may see fewer minutes together in the second unit.
The Warriors need to try to make it work with Oubre in the starting unit — the best version of this team includes him providing length on defense and making the open shots he’s been missing. But if Oubre’s shooting slump continues through 20 games or more, it could be time to make that dramatic change.
Who do you think should be in the closing lineup? They are struggling with that recently. — MJ Castro
Already, the Warriors have used 20 different lineups that include Stephen Curry in fourth quarters this season. This may not be a team, such as those dynastic Warriors, that has a defined closing lineup each game because it’s unclear who the best five players on the team are from one night to the next. Instead, Kerr has had to make that evaluation during the course of the game, and take his best guess as to who should close based on who is playing well and the matchup with the opponent.
What would it take to trade for Kevin Porter Jr. and JaVale McGee? — @Ahhh_GreenEyes
Technically, it wouldn’t take much: Looney and another small contract. But is that something that really interests you? The reports out of Cleveland indicate there are some personal things Porter Jr. needs to work out, and isn’t likely ready to contribute to a winning basketball team. As for swapping Looney for McGee, that strikes as moving around deck chairs.
What’s the ideal place in the standings for the Timberwolves for the 2021 draft pick, given its protection? — Dave Kong
At 3-8, the Timberwolves have the second-worst record in the NBA and a 40.1% chance of landing a top-three pick in the draft. Golden State receives their pick if it falls anywhere outside the top three, so the Timberwolves may actually be too bad. Warriors fans may want them to string together a few wins. Falling to the sixth-best odds, for instance, would give Minnesota a 25.7% chance of a top-three pick. That said, these things are impossible to predict. Don’t worry so much. Just let the ping-pong balls bounce as they do.
What do you expect the Warriors’ record to be after, say, 36 games? What record would indicate that it’s time to play for the lottery? — @win_c_lan.
Golden State is 6-6 and almost through the most difficult stretch of its season. It’s not unrealistic to expect the Warriors to be a few wins better than .500 by the time the first part of the season concludes in early March. Unless the Warriors sustain a serious injury to Curry or Draymond Green, I don’t see an excuse to tank. This is a team that wants to build a culture around sustained winning. One mulligan after devastating injuries and departures is understandable. Two losing seasons in a row — and an obvious tank — would lead to the erosion of the culture this team built over five Finals runs. The Timberwolves’ pick provides a better chance at landing a top young talent and ensures that the Warriors will get that chance without having to endure another losing season.
Justinian Jessup is crushing it in Australia. Any chance of bringing him in this season? — @BotExemplary. / Since there is no wing depth and little shooting on the team, any chance Justinian Jessup gets a call-up, especially if the NBA adds another two-way spot? — @DulowTwist.
It’s unclear when the NBL — where Jessup is playing after being selected No. 51 overall in November’s draft — will conclude its season after pushing the start date from October to January. It stands to reason that it could be as late as June of this year, at which point it would be too late for Jessup, 22, to complete his season and play for the Warriors.
And even if Golden State could add him to a third two-way spot before then, why would it? Jessup, who scored 24 points in 33 minutes in his second NBL game, is getting more playing time and opportunities to develop playing for the NBL’s Hawks than he would with the Warriors.