Dennis Schroder and the Golden State Warriors’ New Starting Lineup Could Be Deadly

The Golden State Warriors made an early move in the NBA trade season, acquiring Dennis Schroder and a second-round pick from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for De’Anthony Melton and three second-round picks. The trade was completed swiftly, with Melton becoming eligible to be dealt on December 15. Unfortunately, Melton’s ACL injury will prevent him from playing this season. Schroder’s arrival is intriguing because, rather than making a big splash, the Warriors opted for a more understated but valuable acquisition. Schroder will fill a specific role, helping the team strengthen their lineup while keeping the door open for future moves. This article will break down how Schroder’s addition fits into the Warriors’ rotation.

Point Guard (PG)

Starter: Dennis Schroder
Reserves: Pat Spencer

The Warriors will likely move Schroder into the starting lineup as the team’s point guard, shifting Stephen Curry to the two-guard position. This will allow Curry to focus more on scoring and off-ball movement, rather than also being tasked with setting up the offense. Schroder has had a solid season so far, averaging 18.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. Known for his aggressive, two-way play, Schroder has proven himself as a reliable scorer and a defensive asset for the Nets. His addition brings both experience and defensive tenacity to the Warriors’ backcourt.

While Schroder will assume a starting role, the Warriors’ flexible lineup means that Curry will still handle the ball at times. Additionally, Pat Spencer, who has shown flashes of potential this season, will continue to be a backup but isn’t yet ready to assume a more significant rotational role. The starting duo of Schroder and Curry promises to create a dynamic backcourt capable of pushing the tempo, with both players being capable ball handlers and scoring threats. Schroder’s defense will complement Curry’s offensive prowess, giving the Warriors a balanced approach to both ends of the floor.

Shooting Guard (SG)

Starter: Stephen Curry
Reserves: Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield

Curry’s role as the team’s shooting guard should help elevate his scoring ability, which has seen a slight dip this season. Averaging 23.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, Curry has been less focused on playmaking, and the addition of Schroder will allow him to focus more on scoring. Curry has never been a traditional point guard, and many analysts have suggested for years that he functions best as a shooting guard who can move off the ball to get open shots. With Schroder handling the ball, Curry can use screens and cuts to create open looks and further bolster his scoring.

Behind Curry, the Warriors have Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield as reserves. Hield is known for his shooting prowess and will add depth as a sharp shooter, while Podziemski brings versatility with his all-around skills, though he remains inconsistent offensively. The Warriors will likely rotate these players based on the matchup, with both capable of filling in at the two-guard position when needed.

Small Forward (SF)

Starter: Andrew Wiggins
Reserves: Gary Payton II, Lindy Waters III

Andrew Wiggins has become a reliable and impactful player for the Warriors, averaging 17.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Known for his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, Wiggins has solidified his place in the starting lineup as a key three-and-D player for the Warriors. His two-way play has been critical for Golden State, and his presence remains one of the most consistent aspects of the team this season. He may be the second-most secure starter on the roster after Curry, given his defensive contributions and offensive consistency.

In reserve, Gary Payton II and Lindy Waters III provide the Warriors with different skill sets. Payton II is an elite defensive player, known for his ability to disrupt offenses and guard multiple positions. He has earned more minutes lately due to his defensive prowess and is often seen closing games for the Warriors. Waters III, on the other hand, is a more offensive-minded player and has been scoring well in recent outings, including multiple double-digit games. Payton II and Waters III, along with Wiggins, provide the Warriors with a lot of flexibility at the small forward position, and all three can also play at the two or four depending on the lineup.

Power Forward (PF)

Starter: Jonathan Kuminga
Reserves: Kyle Anderson

The Warriors are committed to giving Jonathan Kuminga a significant role, as evidenced by the decision to bench Draymond Green in favor of Kuminga in some games. Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 15.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, but his consistency remains a question mark. He has the tools to be a dominant two-way player, capable of scoring in a variety of ways and contributing defensively. However, his performances have been up and down, as he’s prone to games where he scores in single digits, which has led to sporadic minutes.

This trade could be seen as a vote of confidence in Kuminga, as the Warriors seem focused on making him a key part of their future. His development is crucial not only for the team’s success this season but also for securing a long-term contract with Golden State. With Kyle Anderson providing depth, Kuminga will have to rise to the occasion, as Anderson has not been a prominent contributor this season.

Center (C)

Starter: Draymond Green
Reserves: Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis

Draymond Green remains the heart and soul of the Warriors, providing leadership, defense, and playmaking. Green may not put up the most impressive stats—he’s averaging 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists—but his value goes far beyond box scores. He is the defensive anchor of the team, often serving as the primary playmaker in Golden State’s offense. With Schroder now on board, Green’s offensive load may be lightened, allowing him to focus even more on his defensive duties. Green’s ability to play both the four and five positions gives the Warriors added flexibility in their lineups, particularly in small-ball situations.

Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis offer more traditional center options for Golden State. Looney is a solid rebounder and defender but lacks the perimeter skills that the Warriors prefer in their big men. Jackson-Davis is an intriguing young talent, though he, too, faces challenges when it comes to fitting into the Warriors’ perimeter-oriented system. Both players will provide depth behind Green, and their effectiveness will depend on matchups.

Warriors Looking for More Moves

While this trade provides the Warriors with added depth and versatility, they are not expected to stop there. The team is still actively searching for a star player to solidify their championship aspirations. With Schroder’s arrival bolstering the backcourt, the Warriors could look to make additional moves to enhance their roster further, particularly if they identify a player who can contribute immediately to their pursuit of another NBA title.

Golden State’s current lineup looks stronger than before, and with Schroder’s defensive abilities and playmaking, the team’s roster is more balanced. The Warriors will need to continue fine-tuning their rotations, but with the flexibility they now have, they could be in prime position to make another title run this season.