The Warriors could start the 2023 playoffs like they started the 2022 postseason: with a key starter coming off the bench.
Andrew Wiggins, who returned to the Warriors last week after more than a month away due to a family matter, may not return directly to the starting lineup when he steps on the court in the playoffs.
Coach Steve Kerr said Thursday that Wiggins looked great, was feeling good “and ready to go”, but did not outline a full plan for the forward in Saturday’s series opener against the Kings in Sacramento. The Athletic reported that Golden State is leaning toward deploying him off the bench and will play under a 25-minute restriction.
Last season, the Warriors brought Steph Curry off the bench for the first four games of their first-round series against the Nuggets. He averaged 27.5 points in those four games, and the Warriors closed out Denver in Game 5 after moving him back into the starting lineup.
Wiggins was said to be feeling good after scrimmaging on back-to-back days this week and all signs point to him being ready for Game 1 on Saturday.
After two heavy days the last two days, the Warriors had a lighter practice Thursday as they gear up for their first-round matchup against the Kings.
Wiggins hasn’t played since Feb. 13 and missed the last 22 games of the regular season.
Poole now has big-stage experience
Jordan Poole didn’t know what to expect a year ago.
Sure, he’s played on big stages throughout his basketball career. He won a national championship in high school and made it to the Sweet 16 in back-to-back seasons with Michigan. He played in the 2018 title game, too.
But never had he experienced the bright lights of the NBA playoffs.
Poole knew the intensity would be turned up a notch, but the Warriors’ veterans helped guide the young, inexperienced bench through the trenches.
“It’s almost like controlled chaos,” Poole said. “I anything you feel it more than you see it, just like how possessions matter [more], play calls, good shots… you can feel the magnitude from everybody.”
Poole was stumped when a reporter asked him about what he learned from last year’s title run that can be applied to this year’s preparation.
“Last year was my first year, everything I did felt comfortable, it worked, we won a championship,” he said. “I have the foundation of what I want to do that I’ll carry over from last year.”
