Watch: Steph Curry and Joel Embiid headline intriguing lineup as Steve Kerr continues to tinker with team combination
Leading into Saturday’s start of Team USA’s training camp, Steve Kerr remained non-committal about who among the star-studded names on his roster will open games. Kerr told Joe Vardon of “The Athletic” that he is looking for “combinations that click.” The Golden State Warriors play caller added that “two-way lineups” that can do damage on both ends will also be prioritized.
On the first day of training camp, he used Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton. Kerr spoke to reporters after practice and cautioned them about making conclusions after their first scrimmage.
On Sunday, the multi-titled coach busted out a new opening lineup. He had Joel Embiid, Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday and Kawhi Leonard. Holiday ran the set in the clip that ended up with Embiid getting fouled by Team Select member Jalen Duren near the elbow.
Steve Kerr told Vardon that getting the right starting five was a good “problem to have.” The solution will likely come ahead of Team USA’s first tuneup game, which will be against Canada on Wednesday.
Consciously absent in the first two days of training camp were Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum. KD has been relegated to light shooting drills as he is reportedly dealing with a minor calf injury. Kerr and the coaching staff are exercising an “abundance of caution” so he is treated day-to-day.
Tatum, who was excused for personal reasons, has just arrived in Las Vegas. The two will add more to the equation that Kerr will have to solve regarding the starting lineup.
Steve Kerr likely has “locks” in the starting lineup
Steve Kerr isn’t willing to give a clue but it is unlikely he is not starting with Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Durant and James have the most experience in the Olympics and they are basketball legends. Curry will make his debut in the quadrennial games but he is easily the team’s best shooter. No one knows how to maximize “Chef Curry” more than Kerr.
Kerr already said that the potential of James running the offense and Curry attracting the defense off the ball was tantalizing. He noted in a Zoom interview with reporters that the two are excited to play together in a truly prestigious tournament. If Durant is healthy, he will likely join the two.
Joel Embiid has to be in there as well. He has been moving well and having him occupy the post against bigger teams will make life easier for those around him. Team USA had trouble against teams with size advantage in the FIBA World Cup, so having “The Process” will give Steve Kerr options.
The fifth man will be anybody’s guess but Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard, or Jayson Tatum will be great for their two-way impact. “Ant-Man” sees himself as the No. 1 option so it’s interesting to see if Steve Kerr will put him in the starting roster.
Regardless of who starts for Team USA, the Americans remain huge favorites to bag another gold medal.