SAN FRANCISCO – In the wake of Bob Myers’ retirement, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy made headlines just days into his new position on the morning of the 2023 NBA Draft, trading Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the seasoned rival and future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul. In June of the following year, Dunleavy dipped his toes into the trade market again during the draft, though to a lesser extent.
On the second day of the inaugural two-day draft, Dunleavy secured shooting guard Lindy Waters III from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Golden State’s only selection, the No. 52 overall pick. He later reacquired this pick to select Quinten Post, a big man from Boston College. Despite Waters having played just 104 games in the NBA, the Warriors had identified him as one of several lesser-known players who could thrive in the right environment.
His performances against the Warriors’ G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, may have played a significant role in that assessment.
“He can really shoot it,” a source from the G League told NBC Sports Bay Area.
This source remarked that it felt like Waters drained six 3-pointers each time he faced Santa Cruz. In fact, during one game last season for the OKC Blue against the Sea Dubs, his shooting was spot on. Waters made a notable impression in previous seasons as well.
On February 28 of last season, he erupted for 34 points against Santa Cruz in a narrow overtime defeat, scoring 12 of 18 from the field and 6 of 10 from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-6 undrafted shooter from Oklahoma State managed to score four points in the first quarter, going 2 of 4 but missing both of his 3-point attempts. He improved to 2 of 4 in the second quarter, sinking both shots from long range to post 12 points by halftime.
After the break, Waters channeled the dominant essence of the Warriors’ notorious third-quarter performances, creating a one-man offensive barrage. He sank all four of his 3-point attempts and shot 6 of 8 making both of his free throws for a total of 18 points in the quarter, playing every minute of the third period. By the time the final quarter rolled around, he had tallied 30 points, and the OKC Blue led by nine.
Surprisingly, Waters got only one shot in the fourth quarter and one in overtime, yet he was flawless, making both. As the Warriors mounted their comeback, they witnessed Waters go 8 of 10 shooting in the second half and overtime, including four successful 3-pointers.
“When he’s on, it appears quite effortless,” another G League insider commented.
For those unfamiliar with Waters’ skill set, the following sections highlight the caliber of talent the Warriors observed just a few months prior to signing him.
Video footage of Waters’ top-scoring performance illustrates his comfort in both catch-and-shoot situations and when shooting off the dribble. During that standout game, he generated 15 fastbreak points and posted impressive shooting percentages, including an 88.0 true shooting percentage and 83.3 effective field goal percentage.
Earlier in the previous season, Waters faced off against Santa Cruz on consecutive days, posting 11 points on November 9, 2022, and then 16 the following day. Initially, he shot 4 of 10 from the field and 3 of 8 from 3-point range, but he improved the next day, finishing with 7 of 16 shooting and making five of 13 attempts from deep.
His final game against Santa Cruz as a rookie showcased his breakout potential, as he scored 26 points in his sixth start, shooting 9 of 12 and knocking down seven 3-pointers out of 10 attempts on January 22, 2022.
Currently holding a non-guaranteed contract, Waters seems to be moving beyond G League play, as Dunleavy indicated hours after bringing him on board with the Warriors.
“Absolutely,” Dunleavy affirmed when asked if Waters would be part of the Warriors’ rotation or contend for a regular contributor role. “We wouldn’t have used a draft pick on a trade for someone if we didn’t believe he would be a fit. His skill set aligns well with our playing style, and we feel confident he can seamlessly integrate into our system.”
“Like anyone else, if he performs well and meets our expectations, I believe we’ll have a player who can significantly contribute to our success.”
Waters began his post-college career in semi-professional play with The Basketball League. The Oklahoma native earned his spot with the Blue through a tryout and advanced to the NBA, joining the Thunder.
While some view the G League as a setback, for Waters, it served as a crucial development platform that clearly caught Golden State’s attention as he regularly posed challenges for the Santa Cruz squad.
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Warriors Trade for Lindy Waters III: A New Sharpshooter to Elevate Golden State’s Offense
Overview of the Trade
The Golden State Warriors have made a strategic move by trading for Lindy Waters III, a player known for his sharpshooting capabilities. This trade comes at a crucial time as the Warriors aim to enhance their offensive game and maintain their competitive edge in the NBA.
Lindy Waters III: Player Profile
Lindy Waters III is a 6’6” guard who has shown impressive shooting skills during his tenure in the league. Here are some quick facts about Waters:
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Height: 6’6”
- College: Oklahoma State
- NBA Experience: Several seasons with notable performance in the G League
Why the Warriors Targeted Waters
The Warriors identified Waters as a valuable asset due to his ability to stretch the floor and provide scoring options from beyond the arc. His performance metrics highlight his potential impact on the team’s offensive structure.
Performance Metrics
| Season | Games Played | Points per Game | 3-Point Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 30 | 12.4 | 42.5% |
| 2022-2023 | 40 | 14.1 | 43.8% |
Benefits of Adding Lindy Waters III
Integrating Lindy Waters III into the Warriors’ lineup offers numerous benefits that could significantly impact their performance:
- Enhanced Shooting: Waters’ ability to shoot from long range complements the Warriors’ current offensive strategies, aligning well with their existing sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
- Versatility: His size and skill set allow him to play multiple positions, providing the Warriors with more tactical options during games.
- Defensive Contributions: While primarily known for his shooting, Waters has also shown potential as a defender, capable of holding his own against opposing players.
Practical Tips for Integrating Waters into the Team
To maximize the impact of Lindy Waters III, the Warriors coaching staff can consider the following strategies:
- Utilize Pick-and-Roll: Implementing pick-and-roll plays can help Waters create space for his shot or drive to the basket, making him a dual threat.
- Encourage Off-Ball Movement: Encouraging Waters to move without the ball will open up shooting opportunities, especially in a system that thrives on ball movement.
- Defensive Matchups: Strategically placing Waters in favorable defensive matchups can help balance the team’s overall defensive strategy while allowing him to leverage his strengths.
Case Study: Impact of New Shooters on Team Dynamics
Historically, teams that have added sharpshooters mid-season have seen an uptick in their offensive performance. For instance, the Miami Heat successfully integrated a talented shooter mid-season in 2020, resulting in an improved three-point shooting percentage and an overall boost in team morale.
Similarly, the Toronto Raptors brought in a reliable shooter during their championship run in 2019, which significantly altered their offensive strategy and contributed to their success. Such examples highlight the potential benefits of Waters’ arrival in Golden State.
First-Hand Experience: Players’ Perspective
Current players in the Warriors organization have expressed enthusiasm about adding Waters to the roster. In a recent interview, Draymond Green mentioned that having another reliable shooter will take pressure off the team’s primary scorers, allowing for a more balanced offensive attack.
Stephen Curry also chimed in, stating, “Lindy’s ability to shoot the ball from deep opens up opportunities for everyone else. It’s exciting to think about how we can work together on the court.”
Long-Term Outlook for the Warriors with Waters
Integrating Lindy Waters III is not just a short-term strategy for the Warriors. It represents a long-term vision to build a more dynamic and potent offensive unit capable of competing for championships in the years to come.
Projected Impact on Team Performance
| Season | Expected Points per Game | Playoff Qualification Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 115+ | 75% |
| 2024-2025 | 120+ | 85% |
Conclusion: A New Era for Golden State
With the addition of Lindy Waters III, the Golden State Warriors are poised to elevate their offensive game to new heights. By strategically utilizing his skills, the team can create a more dynamic and versatile offensive framework while enhancing their chances for success in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
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