To improve the Warriors’ defense and avoid early deficits, head coach Steve Kerr has decided to start Kevon Looney in the middle and replace rookie James Wiseman before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.
« We have a lot of moving parts, » said Kerr after two heavy losses in which the Warriors’ starters were beaten by 34 total points. « We try to develop young players and to be a playoff team, to be a competitor. » And we try all of this at once. Part of this process will include occasional changes to line-up combinations.
« I am very confident that this will ultimately be a good part of James’ development, » he continued. « He’ll still play, but it gives him a slightly different role and a different way of looking at the game. »
The 19-year-old Wiseman had his share of “SportsCenter” -worthy highlights, but also had problems protecting the rim, protecting it in space and defending it without pollution.
Kerr will start Looney alongside Stephen Curry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green. In his more than five seasons, Looney has developed into a dependable defender who can switch to multiple positions and execute a game plan.
This is not an indictment against Wiseman, the number 2 in the November draft who, according to Kerr, faced a steep learning curve after just three college games in Memphis.
« We’re just continuing to try to help him understand the NBA game and learn the nuances of defensive rim protection by doing his job as the center at that end of the floor, » said Kerr. « Then on the offensive, learn to adjust screens and learn the nuances of offensive pace and movement, as well as the actions he is experiencing for the first time. »
In 16 games with the Warriors, Wiseman averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 21.4 minutes per game. Wiseman will slip into Looney’s former role from the bank and is expected to have time at the end of the first and third quarters. Eric Paschall, who has thrived as a small ball center, will continue to come off the bench and anchor the second unit.
Ref: https://www.mercurynews.com
