The Golden State Warriors are finally hitting pause on the lineup roulette. After nine games with nine different starting fives, head coach Steve Kerr is ready to roll with a group he hopes can bring some much-needed stability. That group-Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Draymond Green, and rookie big man Quinten Post-will get the nod again Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, and, according to Kerr, for the “foreseeable future.”
Now, how long “foreseeable” actually lasts in Kerr’s world is anyone’s guess. We’ve seen this team flirt with continuity before, only to switch gears a few games later. But the message is clear: Kerr is searching for answers, and he’s hoping this group can at least provide a foundation.
Sunday’s loss to Portland marked the debut of this particular five-man unit. It’s a more traditional look, especially with Green returning from a three-game absence to anchor the frontcourt next to the seven-foot Post. Curry and Butler are the obvious locks-two veterans who set the tone on both ends-and Moody got the call after being out of the starting mix for the previous three contests.
So far, the early returns haven’t exactly been glowing. In just 15 minutes across three games, the group has posted a -16.6 net rating.
The defensive rating is especially concerning, sitting at 137.1-fueled in large part by Portland lighting them up in a 136-131 shootout. That’s not the kind of number you want to see from a unit that includes two All-Defensive talents in Green and Butler.
Still, there’s reason to give this group a real shot. Curry, Butler, and Green are going to start when healthy.
That much is non-negotiable. The real question lies with Moody and Post-two players who’ve been on the lineup rollercoaster over the past year.
Can they carve out consistent roles next to the veteran core?
For Moody, it’s about defending at a high level and knocking down open looks. He’s shown flashes, and his shooting percentages are respectable, but the inconsistency has been a sticking point.
Same goes for Post, who brings size and some touch, but is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of NBA defenses. His presence does give the Warriors a true center in the starting five, something they’ve lacked at times, but he’ll need to prove he can hold his own against elite frontcourt talent in the West.
The bigger picture here is urgency. The Warriors are 13-14 and hovering around the play-in zone.
That’s not where this team wants to be, especially with a trade deadline looming and internal pressure mounting. They need this lineup to work-not just to rack up wins, but to calm the waters in a locker room that’s clearly felt the impact of constant change.
If this group can gel, it gives Golden State a clearer identity. Curry can shoulder the offensive load, as he always does, but the defense has to tighten up.
That’s where Moody and Post come in. Their roles won’t be glamorous, but they’re vital.
Hit shots, defend your position, and make the most of playing alongside three future Hall of Famers.
The Warriors don’t need perfection from this lineup-they just need stability. And for the first time in a while, they might be willing to let a group grow into the job.