Warriors’ Secret Weapon: The Rise of Lindy Waters

The Golden State Warriors, known for their tactical precision and player development, made notable offseason moves with the additions of Buddy Hield, DeAnthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. These players were expected to enhance the team’s shooting, playmaking, and defensive versatility. While Kyle Anderson isn’t known for his shooting, his playmaking and defensive abilities are invaluable. However, these were not the only players the Warriors brought in. Another significant acquisition, Lindy Waters, a 27-year-old sharpshooter, has quickly gone from under-the-radar to a key contributor for the Dubs.

From Delivery Driver to NBA Player

Lindy Waters’ journey to the NBA is nothing short of remarkable. Just a few years ago, he was delivering food for DoorDash and playing semi-professionally, fighting to keep his basketball dream alive. At 6’6”, Waters had the physical tools to make it to the league, but his path was anything but smooth. His early years were marked by uncertainty, and at one point, he was unsure if he would even get a shot in the NBA.

After going undrafted, he played for Oklahoma City Thunder, where he became known as a garbage-time player with solid shooting skills. Despite limited playing time, Waters caught the attention of the Warriors’ front office. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. saw in him a potential asset, trading for the 52nd overall pick to secure Waters’ services. At the time, many saw this as an inconsequential move, a gamble on a player who might not even see the floor.

Fast forward to five games into the season, and it’s clear that Waters has proven himself more than just a footnote in the Warriors’ offseason. His contributions in back-to-back wins have drawn praise and shed light on Dunleavy’s vision.

A Preseason Surprise

The Warriors’ coaching staff had early glimpses of Waters’ potential during preseason. For those paying attention, it was obvious that Waters was more than just a benchwarmer. He was displaying NBA-level skill in shooting, defense, and playmaking. His shooting, in particular, stood out. Waters had been known as a lights-out shooter since his college days, but seeing him knock down shots consistently against NBA-level competition was a turning point.

When injuries sidelined key players like DeAnthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins, Waters stepped up and made the most of his opportunity. In his early minutes with the Warriors, he demonstrated remarkable confidence. One play in particular caught the attention of fans and coaches alike — Waters received the ball in transition, stopped on a dime, and pulled up for a confident mid-range jumper. The shot was a two-pointer, but it was the kind of shot that seasoned veterans make, not someone just getting their feet wet in the league.

That shot was just the beginning. Throughout his early games, Waters showcased his shooting range and ability to play within the Warriors’ offensive system. Whether it was receiving handoffs from Draymond Green or navigating pin-down screens set by Trace Jackson-Davis, Waters displayed a knack for positioning and getting open looks. His most impressive shot came in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he knocked down a corner jumper over a tight contest while fading away. Although his foot was on the line, it highlighted his shooting confidence and ability to perform under pressure.

More Than Just a Shooter

What makes Lindy Waters a valuable asset to the Warriors isn’t just his shooting ability. While he’s proven himself as a reliable scorer, his all-around game is what has impressed the coaching staff. Waters has been active on the defensive end, using his size and length to disrupt opposing players. His activity on the offensive glass and ability to make smart reads as a playmaker have also been critical.

One moment that caught the attention of fans was his dunk following a pass from Jonathan Kuminga. Not typically known for his athleticism, Waters surprised even Steph Curry, who reacted with excitement from the bench. This play, along with his impressive Euro step in transition, proved that Waters is more than just a spot-up shooter. He has the athleticism and basketball IQ to make plays on both ends of the floor.

Overcoming the Odds

Waters’ rise to the NBA is a story of perseverance. After going undrafted, his journey took him to The Basketball League (TBL), a semi-professional domestic league in the U.S. He described it as more of a grind than the G League, with players driving to games the morning of and returning home immediately after. Waters would play a game, then return home to make ends meet by delivering food or cutting grass.