Warriors may have unearthed new starting unit

The performance was a reminder of how critical Payton II was to the Warriors' 2022 NBA title win.

One wonders if Payton II sealed his spot in the Warriors' backcourt next to Curry. Since De'Anthony Melton's season-ending ACL injury, the Warriors have been experimenting with Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and Lindy Waters III. On Sunday, they started Hield and Payton II next to Curry, but that unit isn't necessarily a viable option due to the lack of size. Ideally, the Warriors need a serviceable shooter to cover Curry's defensive lapses and guard the opponent's best perimeter player. Payton II fits that description perfectly. 

With Wiggins expected back in Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the Rockets, the Warriors could bench Hield again and start Green, Kuminga, Wiggins, Payton II and Curry. This unit offers defensive versatility and just enough playmaking and shooting. 

The Warriors started Trayce Jackson-Davis at center through the first 18 games. However, Green's ability to play the five has once again propelled the Warriors to go small — a strategy that clearly worked against a big team like the Timberwolves on Sunday. 

The Warriors (14-9) have fielded over a dozen different starting units through 23 games, but it seems like they're onto something with Green and Kuminga in the front court and Curry and Payton II at guard.