When the Golden State Warriors dynasty began a decade ago, a young, beardless Steph Curry led the charge, transforming from a college sensation at Davidson into a generational talent. But the Warriors’ rise wasn’t just about Curry—it was about the strategic pieces around him, including the arrival of Steve Kerr as head coach in the 2014-15 season. Kerr added a unique element to the roster with Shaun Livingston, a point guard with a very different skill set from Curry. Livingston, standing five inches taller than Curry, wasn’t a sharpshooter but provided a crucial contrast that helped unlock the Warriors’ “Strength in Numbers” philosophy. Now, five years into his retirement, Livingston sees a similar potential impact from the Warriors’ latest offseason addition, Kyle Anderson.
Although Anderson’s game contrasts sharply with Golden State’s usual uptempo style, Livingston believes that Anderson’s differences could be the key to enhancing the team’s dynamics, much like Livingston did during the Warriors’ championship runs.
In an interview on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Dubs Talk” podcast, Livingston drew parallels between his role with the Warriors and what Anderson could bring. “You put him around guys like Draymond [Green], Steph [Curry], and [Brandin Podziemski] who can space the floor, and that’s where the similarities with my time come in,” Livingston said. “It’s about finding the right balance and chemistry.”
Anderson, entering his 11th NBA season and first with the Warriors, isn’t known for his three-point shooting—he shot just 22.9% from deep last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a sharp drop from his career-best 41% the previous year. However, what Kyle Anderson lacks in shooting, he makes up for with his basketball IQ, versatility, and ability to create mismatches. At 6-foot-9, Anderson is two inches taller and nearly 40 pounds heavier than Livingston, making him a unique presence on the court.
Livingston highlighted how Anderson, like himself, can maximize the talents of the Warriors’ stars. During Livingston’s first season with the Warriors, he and Curry produced a 112.7 offensive rating and a 19.5 net rating in limited minutes together. The following season, Kerr doubled their minutes, leading to a 117.8 offensive rating and a 23.3 net rating. Though Livingston started only 15 games in his five-year Warriors tenure, his impact off the bench was undeniable.
Anderson showed similar synergy with Anthony Edwards last season, posting an 8.8 net rating with the Timberwolves star—just a hair behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert’s ratings with Edwards. “If you can think the game and understand spacing, time and score, there’s a spot for you on a roster with Steve Kerr,” Livingston said. “Kyle’s one of the smartest players in the league, and Kerr loves those types of players.”
Livingston believes Anderson’s playoff experience—66 games compared to the combined 307 games lost with the departures of Klay Thompson and Chris Paul—will be invaluable for the Warriors. Anderson’s ability to slow the game down and make cerebral decisions under pressure could be a crucial asset as the Warriors aim to reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite.
Livingston emphasized the importance of cerebral players like Anderson in the postseason: “In the playoffs, the goal is to make the other team play with their weak hand. It’s a chess match, and you need guys who can think the game—that’s Slo Mo.”
While Kyle Anderson may not be a star or the big-name player some envisioned as Curry’s running mate, his potential to have a Livingston-like impact could be crucial for the Warriors’ success in the coming season. Ten years into the Warriors’ dynasty, Anderson’s unique skill set might be just what they need to climb back to the top.
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