The Warriors are struggling out of the gate in the 2026-27 NBA season, and their roster availability is not helping their cause. Coach Steve Kerr, in the season-opening loss at the Los Angeles Lakers, opted for a small starting lineup with Draymond Green playing the 5 with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and Gui Santos alongside him in the frontcourt. Lakers center Walker Kessler feasted on the lack of size, scoring 26 points and making all 12 of his field-goal attempts.
To compensate, two-way rookie Graham Ike was inserted into the starting lineup for the two following games. Former Warriors guard Seth Curry shared his reaction to the decision in a social media post.
“With all due respect to Ike, a two-way starting for the Dubs in Game 2 is tough,” Curry wrote on Threads. It indeed is a tough circumstance the Warriors find themselves in less than a week removed from the season opener. Kristaps Porziis would be the starting center if not for an illness that will sideline him indefinitely. Al Horford is another option if Kerr wants a true 5 in the starting lineup, but the 40-year-old center’s playing time is limited with load management.