SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors are experimenting with a five-out offensive system this season, continuing the organization’s longstanding effort to eliminate any remaining distinction between basketball positions.
Under the concept, all five players can space the floor, move the ball and operate away from the paint.
Centers were informed last.
Golden State coaches believe the system can create additional driving lanes and make the offense more difficult to defend.
It also requires nearly everyone on the roster to behave like a guard at least occasionally.
“Congratulations,” one fictional coach told the frontcourt. “You now have handles.”
Big men have reportedly spent training camp learning where to stand, when to cut and why possession of a seven-foot wingspan no longer guarantees permission to remain anywhere near the basket.
The Warriors consider this progress.
The franchise already helped popularize an NBA in which three-point shooting became mandatory.
Its next mission appears to be convincing every center that the post is mostly a historical landmark.
Players remain optimistic about the new system.
Coaches have asked everyone to stay versatile.
By November, Golden State hopes to have five interchangeable offensive threats on the floor.
Positions will continue to exist primarily for fantasy basketball websites.
