“Been one of our best players, frankly”: Steve Kerr heaps praise on $2.2 million guard after impeccable bench performance
During the post-game interview after the Golden State Warriors' 124-106 home win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr had praise for the 2024 offseason addition, Lindy Waters III.
The third-year guard led the Warriors' victory effort off the bench in the absence of Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins.
"I've said it since day one of camp, this guy's a ball player," Steve Kerr said. "Game flows when he's out there. It's not just because he's a good shooter, he's a good basketball player. It's the shots that he doesn't take. Because of his patience, it's the cuts that he makes to the basket, it's getting into a fight defensively.
"From day one of camp, this guy has been one of our best players frankly, but couldn't get him out there till tonight," Steve Kerr continued. "He's going to make his case for more playing time. I'm just happy to have this kind of depth for nights like tonight when we are missing three guys and it will pay off big time for us over the course of a year or two."
Lindy Waters III recorded 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal off the bench on Tuesday to lead the Warriors to victory, shooting 61.5% from the field including 42.9% from deep.
It was the first time this season that Waters played over 30 minutes in a game after averaging 4.33 minutes in previous games. The 6-foot-6 forward capitalized on the opportunit in the absence of two of the team's starters.
Lindy Waters III shares "always staying ready" mindset after breakout performance for Steve Kerr's Warriors
Responding to Steve Kerr's praise, Lindy Waters III elaborated on his mindset of starting the season out of the Warriors' rotation.
During the post-game interview following his breakout performance against the Pelicans on Tuesday, Waters said that he keeps his attitude in check and that he's open to accepting any role.
"I just ground myself, I'm grateful for what I have, so I can't be greedy and have a bad attitude coming in," Waters said.
"Whether I get playing time or not, I'mma be the same person every day. I'mma always have a smile on my face. I'mma encourage my teammates, and whatever my role is that day, I'll accept it. I just want my team to win."
Steve Kerr had previously mentioned that he would be comfortable starting Lindy Water III following the loss to the LA Clippers on Sunday, which featured Steph Curry exiting the game with an ankle injury.
The Golden State Warriors acquired Waters from the OKC Thunder in the offseason. He's on a two-year partially guaranteed contract worth around $2.9 million, earning $2.2 million during the 2024-25 season.