The Warriors’ 12-man rotation proves that depth is the key to success

The Golden State Warriors are showing remarkable depth this season, with a rare 12-man rotation contributing to their success. After failing to secure a star player in the offseason, the Warriors focused on building a deep roster that has them tied for the Western Conference lead. Coach Steve Kerr has effectively used this depth to manipulate lineups and keep players fresh. This strategy, underscored by impressive Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM) statistics, shows that all 12 rotation players have significant value, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities.

By the numbers

• 12 players in the Warriors’ rotation rank in the top 175 in the NBA by EPM.
• Steph Curry ranks 9th overall with an offensive percentile of 98.

Yes, but

Despite their depth, the Warriors still lack a secondary star to complement Steph Curry, raising questions about their long-term playoff success.

In-game status

• The Warriors are currently leading the Western Conference.
• Their depth allows for strategic matchup-based lineup changes, improving their adaptability.

What’s next

As the season progresses, the Warriors will have to assess whether their depth can carry them through the playoffs without a standout secondary star.

Bottom line

The Warriors’ exceptional roster depth is proving effective in the short term, but its true test will come in the playoffs, where elite individual talent often shines.