Waters shares a humble take on the Warriors’ new starting role that originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Steve Kerr said Lindy Waters III is a good fit for the Warriors’ offense and plans to keep the undrafted veteran guard part of the starting unit, at least for the foreseeable future.
However, Waters sees it differently.
From Waters’ perspective, Kerr could fill just about anyone in the starting two-guard spot left vacant by De’Anthony Melton’s season-ending 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 Chase Center. “If you have Steph [Curry], [Draymond Green]Trayce [Jackson-Davis] And [Andrew Wiggins]you can throw any other fifth guy in there and he’ll be good.
For now, Kerr isn’t interested in using anyone else. The job is Waters’, and the Warriors coach doesn’t see that changing anytime soon.
“That’s what I’m committed to now,” Kerr said. “He fits in well with that group. I’d like to take Buddy with me [Hield] from the bank. By starting Lindy we can keep the bench intact and we still have a shooter and defender in the starting lineup.”
Waters, who had started the Warriors’ previous two games while the team awaited word on Melton’s condition, was unspectacular in his official debut as a member of Golden State’s starting lineup, but he did enough to earn him the role to keep.
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 is shooting 9-of-19 from the floor and is 6-of-12 from behind the arc.
That’s a nice addition to a starting unit that features the best long-range shooter of all time, one of the most dominant defensive players in NBA history and two other role players who have played at a very high level.
In addition to an efficient offense, Waters also stood out with his defensive effort against the Hawks. Waters played most of the night against Trae Young, limiting the three-time NBA All-Star to 12 points on 4-for-12 shooting.
“I just have to keep him together, put some pressure on him, make him make tough decisions and make tough passes,” Waters said. “He’s a very smart player, very talented.”
Waters has quickly made a positive impression not only on Kerr and Dub Nation, but also on his teammates.
“Lindy is playing well,” Green said. “Always knows where to be, knows defensive rotations and assignments, 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 modest in the Warriors locker room after the game. He repeatedly praised his teammates and did not mind being named the starter.
“I’ve just been ready for whatever moment comes,” Waters said. “As far as the rotation is concerned, it may be tense at first, but in the end, once the ball goes up, everything is normal.”
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