The Golden State Warriors nonetheless have roster choices to make earlier than their common season opener on October 23, but Saturday's preseason win over the L.A. Clippers already left them with one vital reply.
Having added Kevin Knox II to a coaching camp contract in late September, the Warriors seemingly entered with a battle between three gamers for two roster spots. But after only one preseason outing, it is now two gamers for one place.
While neither of Knox, Gui Santos or Lindy Waters III appeared in the primary Warriors rotation through the first half of Saturday's win, it was the latter who emphatically stood out as soon as the chance arised over the rest of the sport.
In 15 second half minutes, Waters had a game-high 15 factors on a scorching 5-of-7 three-point taking pictures. The final of these was a unprecedented curling three on the last buzzer, lifting Golden State to the one-point win.
Given the Warriors had traded for him again at June's NBA Draft, Waters seemingly entered coaching camp and preseason with a firmer grasp on a roster spot than both Santos or Knox. But if there was any doubt on whether or not the franchise will assure his $2.2 million contract for this season, Waters answered these in his Golden State debut.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic on Wednesday, Waters is a “near lock” to make the roster and might now go about attempting to win a rotation position inside a deep Warrior squad.
“Waters profiles as the 13th man in a crowded rotation, but he’s a near lock to make the roster and appears more than ready to step into a rotation slot if the opportunity presents,” Slater wrote.
That leaves Santos and Knox in a battle for one place, with the previous within the strongest place as an incumbent ahead on the roster. Neither significantly stood out in Saturday's win, however ought to get additional alternative to push their case because the preseason progresses.
Santos went scoreless, had three rebounds and two assists in just below 12 minutes, whereas Knox had 4 factors and two rebounds in simply over six minutes, together with a high-flying dunk in transition. The distinction between the 2 gamers was evident through the fourth-quarter of Saturday's sport — Santos is a connector who does the little issues however is not overly aggressive offensively, in distinction to Knox who's a scorer in the beginning.
Whichever approach the Warriors go shall be determined over the subsequent 10 days, however that dialog will now not embody Waters whose sturdy first up efficiency has primarily solidified his place on the roster.
