With just two preseason games remaining, the Golden State Warriors are nearing what could be a pivotal season in franchise history. While the team showed early promise, Monday’s 126-116 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers raised some concerns. Playing without stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the Warriors struggled to find rhythm and looked disorganized on both ends of the floor. Naturally, following the defeat, head coach Steve Kerr didn’t mince words during his postgame press conference.

When asked if rookie Brandin Podziemski has effectively secured a spot in the starting five after his 23-point outing, Kerr offered a measured response. “I can’t say that yet. We’ve got to see where we are. Brandin’s going to play a ton. He’s a hugely important player for us. But the starting lineup frankly is a little tricky for us, given the pieces and Al’s age,” he said. The veteran coach further explained why Al Horford’s age mattered so much.

“If Al were a little younger, he’d be in the starting lineup for sure. But if he’s gonna play limited minutes, it’s tougher to start him and finish the game. He’s not playing as many minutes as he would have a few years ago. So we still have a lot to think about, but Brandin is going to be a huge part of it.” Given the Warriors’ talented yet mixed-aged roster, the Dub Nation HC has some homework left before they settle on the core, as 4 players stay in the race apart from the biggies.

Al Horford, the former Boston Celtics star, is already 39 and not the player he once used to be. This has put four of the Golden State’s top players’ futures within the roster at risk. Yes, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and Buddy Hield are all in contention for a starting role.

While many thought it would be young guard Podziemski who would most likely join Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, alongside maybe Horford, that’s now up for debate. Now, everyone is intrigued to know who Steve Kerr will pick as his shooting guard amid the team’s aging issue. Will it be Podziemski, Moody, Hield, or GP II? Why don’t we assess which of them will complement the team’s veteran core best?

Who will be the Golden State Warriors’ starting shooting guard this season?

We’re just a few days away from the opening night, and the Golden State Warriors are yet to figure out their starting lineup. Well, let’s compare the options they have at their disposal. Starting with, of course, the most popular and arguably the best option, Brandin Podziemski. The 22-year-old guard is probably the best bet at the shooting guard position for the Dubs.

Podziemski has the numbers to stake a claim in the starting five. Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 64 games, while shooting 37.8 percent from three. Despite his credentials, Steve Kerr appears inclined to keep him off the starting lineup, favoring a bench role. That approach allows room for Moses Moody and Buddy Hield, each bringing distinct skills that could complement the rotation.

While Moody brings in perimeter defense alongside his solid shooting, Hield is also a great scorer. However, Moody has been ruled out of the preseason due to a calf injury, putting his availability at least on the opening night in danger. Last but not least, Kerr can also explore the option of starting with Gary Payton II, who’s pretty well known for being a sound defender, but that’s highly unlikely given his scoring ability. So, after looking at all the options, Brandin Podziemski, despite what Steve Kerr said, seems to be the best way forward for the Dubs.