Coach Steve Kerr applies the Golden State Warriors' attacking philosophy to the US team
Steve Kerr used to work as an assistant coach for "The Godfather" Gregg Popovich in the successful 2020 Olympic campaign of the US team. After that, the strategist of the Golden State Warriors officially took over in December 2021.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup is captain Steve Kerr's first major tournament as head coach of a national team.
Through the friendly matches before the tournament, fans realized that Steve Kerr was bringing to the US team the eye-catching attacking philosophies, bearing the characteristic breath of the Golden State Warriors.
One of the interesting factors is Kerr's choice to trust Rookie of the Year - Paolo Banchero. According to Basketball Reference, the player was used mostly in the PF (Power-Forward) position in his first season playing for the Orlando Magic after being selected as the No. 1 in the 2022 Draft.
Speaking after America's 117-74 victory over Puerto Rico in a friendly series, Kerr mentioned the flexibility Panchero can bring as a small-ball center forward. (in favor of the ability to organize and coordinate).
“Having a striker capable of rotating the ball, switching positions and creating breakthrough situations under the basket will make our play more diverse and difficult to break.
Paolo Banchero is a mobile player, he can play both the 4th position (Power-Forward) and the 5th position (Center). However, I would consider using Paolo more in the middle position to optimize his mobility, "said Steve Kerr.
The 57-year-old strategist has been very successful with the small team for 9 years leading the Warriors to create a force in the NBA. He in turn "opened" gems like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson or Draymond Green, making them suddenly become superstars at the moment.
Draymond Green's ability to play with outstanding basketball IQ combined with the coordinated situations, the ballless movement of the outside pitchers is the weapon that has brought the Golden State Warrior to dominate the NBA for the past several seasons.
Steve Kerr realized that the potential of new elements of the US team was very suitable for small-ball play. The American squad tends to play the ball in a fast-moving, high-tempo style.
Outsiders are also considered to be quality pitchers, with stable performance in the last NBA season such as Anthony Edward, Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson or Mikal Bridges.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup will take place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from August 25. Team USA is in Group C along with Jordan, Greece and New Zealand.
