The Golden State Warriors are heading into this season without one of their iconic players, Klay Thompson, who decided to join the Dallas Mavericks after 13 seasons with the Warriors. Despite the loss, the Warriors’ front office made some key signings, and Kerr is particularly excited about one of them.
In an interview with The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami on the latest episode of “The TK Show”, Kerr spoke about what new acquisition De’Anthony Melton brings to the team. Melton, who signed a one-year, $12.8 million contract with Golden State in free agency, received strong praise from Kerr for his versatility.
“He’s a two-way player, which I love because of the ability to connect multiple lineups,” Kerr said. “I think he brings that. He’s a catch-and-shoot guy, and just watching him scrimmage this past week at Chase, our guys were playing pickup ball as they get ready for camp. I watched him knock down four straight threes in a scrimmage. But they were catch-and-shoot, no hesitation. The game just flows when he’s on the floor.”
Kerr also shared his thoughts on another new addition to the Warriors, Kyle Anderson. “I saw him set a split screen, slip to the rim, and get a layup off a pass from Kyle Anderson. We haven’t even worked on that yet, but these guys know how we play, and they have a great feel for the game. Both De’Anthony and Kyle are going to be great fits, and I’m really excited about them.“
De’Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Kerr confident in Andrew Wiggins’ role this season
Kerr also emphasized the significance of Andrew Wiggins to the Warriors, especially following Klay Thompson’s departure. Wiggins is expected to step into a larger role, contributing both scoring and leadership on a team looking to contend once again.
see also
NBA News: Mavs owner makes something clear on Klay Thompson’s departure from Warriors
Kerr remains confident that Wiggins is ready to rise to the challenge. “I’ve only seen him for the last couple of days since he got back in town, but number one, he looks physically really fit. He also seems—just from speaking with him—very motivated and at peace,” Kerr told reporters, by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
“I think he knows that the last couple of years have been tough for a lot of reasons, but he’s ready to get back to the level he was at a few years ago,” Kerr added.
