Waters shares a low-key look at the Warriors’ newfound role originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO — Steve Kerr said Lindy Waters III is a great fit for the Warriors offense and plans to keep the undrafted veteran as part of the starting unit, at least for the near term.
But Waters sees it differently.
From Waters’ perspective, Kerr could slot just about anyone into the starting two-guard spot left vacant by De’Anthony Melton’s knee injury.
“We have a lot of guys that can fill that role,” Waters told NBC Sports Bay Area after Wednesday’s 120-97 win over the Atlanta Hawks at the Chase Center. “If you have Steph. [Curry], [Draymond Green]Trayce [Jackson-Davis] a [Andrew Wiggins]you can throw any other fifth guy in there and he’ll be good.”
Kerr has no interest in using anyone else just yet. The job belongs to Waters, and the Warriors coach doesn’t see that changing anytime soon.
“I’m committed to it right now,” Kerr said. “He fits in well with this group.” I love taking Buddy [Hield] from the bench. Linda’s start allows us to keep the bench intact and gives us another scorer and defender in the starting line-up.”
Waters, who started the Warriors’ previous two games while the team awaited word on Melton’s condition, wasn’t spectacular in his official debut as a member of Golden State’s starting lineup, but he did enough to keep him in the role.
Waters had 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting (with a pair of threes), three rebounds with one assist and a steal while finishing plus-16 in 23 minutes against the Hawks.
In his three starts this season, the 27-year-old has shot 9-of-19 from the floor and is 6-of-12 behind the arc.
He’s a nice addition to a starting lineup with the greatest long-range shooter of all time, one of the most dominant defenders in NBA history, and two other role players who played at a very high level.
In addition to being efficient offensively, Waters also excelled in his defensive effort against the Hawks. Against Trae Young most of the night, Waters limited the three-time NBA All-Star to 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting.
“We just have to box him in, pressure him a little bit, make him make tough decisions, tough passes,” Waters said. “He’s a really, really crafty player, really talented.”
Waters quickly made a positive impression not only on Kerr and Dub Nation, but also on his bandmates.
“Lindy is playing well,” Green said. “He always knows where to be, he knows defensive rotations and assignments, he knows how to get into space. We have the utmost confidence in him. We have no doubt that he will continue to play well for us [starting] group.”
However, Waters was very humble in the Warriors locker room after the game. He repeatedly praised his teammates and did not worry about being labeled as a starter.
“I was just ready for any moment,” Waters said. “When it comes to spin, it can be exciting at the start, but at the end of the day, when the ball goes up, it’s normal.”
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