October 14th 2024 at 5:34pm CST by Dana Gauruder
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were the only players entering Warriors camp with guaranteed starting jobs. ESPN’s Kendra Andrews takes a look at the battles for the other starting spots.
De’Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski are fighting for the shooting guard spot with Buddy Hield pegged as a sixth man. Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney are the candidates to play up front next to Green. Jonathan Kuminga is pushing for the starting small forward job with Andrew Wiggins sidelined by an illness during training camp.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Hield made a nasty remark about Sacramento in a “hot mic” moment after the Kings traded him to the Pacers last season. Hield told Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee that he harbors no ill toward the organization or the city. “I’ll always love Sacramento,” Hield said. “Sacramento is kind of where my career started. I always thank Vlade (Divac) and Vivek ((Ranadive) for reaching out and giving me an opportunity to come play for the city and this organization. My comments are my comments. I can’t take them back, but when you have a mic open, friendly conversation with your friends, and a hot mic catches you, you can’t take that back. I’ve got to take that on the chin, but I love Sacramento.”
- Forward Ryan Dunn has opened some eyes during Suns training camp and could be the steal of the draft, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Dunn only made a dozen 3-point tries in 51 attempts during two seasons at Virginia. He’s knocked down 12 on 27 attempts this preseason. Dunn’s strength entering the draft was his defense and if he can continue to make 3s, the 28th overall pick will be a valuable addition.
- Kai Jones didn’t appear in an NBA game last season after two disappointing years with the Hornets. Jones is competing for a roster spot on the Clippers after signing a training camp contract this summer. Coach Tyronn Lue’s advice to him hit home, he told Janis Carr of the Orange County Register. “T (Coach Tyronn Lue) told me when I got here, that everything that I did in the past (I needed to) forgive myself, you know, just learn from it, grow from it and just be better,” Jones said.
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