Lindy Waters III Bio
Lindy Waters III is a Kiowa and Cherokee-American professional basketball player currently with the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and has been recognized for his contributions to Native American youth through his foundation. Waters was a finalist for the NBA 2023–24 Social Justice Champion Award, highlighting his off-court impact.
Early Life and Background
Lindy Waters III was born on July 28, 1997, in Boulder, Colorado, to Lindy Waters Jr. and Lisa Waters. He is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe and also of Cherokee Nation descent. Waters attended Norman North High School in Norman, Oklahoma, where he initially played basketball. After an incident during his senior year involving a photo with an airsoft gun, he was expelled and transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. He later returned to Norman North and helped lead the basketball team to the state title game.
Waters committed to Oklahoma State University in November 2015 to play college basketball. His early life and heritage have influenced his dedication to community work and his athletic career.
Path to Basketball
Waters’ high school basketball journey included overcoming challenges such as his expulsion and transfer, which tested his resilience. Returning to Norman North allowed him to showcase his skills and gain attention from college scouts. His commitment to Oklahoma State marked a significant step in his basketball development, transitioning from high school to a competitive NCAA program.
At Oklahoma State, Waters developed under collegiate coaching, improving his game and preparing for a professional career. His Native American heritage remained a central part of his identity throughout this period.
Lindy Waters III Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Lindy Waters III began his professional career in 2021 with the Enid Outlaws of The Basketball League. In 17 games, he averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating his all-around capabilities. A brief contract with Palmer Alma Mediterránea in Spain was voided due to bureaucratic issues, leading Waters to continue his career stateside.
In October 2021, Waters joined the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League following a successful tryout. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in his first season, showing steady progress and earning attention from NBA affiliates.
Oklahoma City Thunder Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On February 10, 2022, Waters signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his hometown NBA team. This opportunity allowed him to split time between the Thunder and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. Waters’ contract was converted to a multi-year standard deal on February 27, 2023, reflecting the team’s confidence in his potential.
Throughout this period, Waters was assigned multiple times to the Oklahoma City Blue to gain more playing time and experience. The Thunder re-signed him to a two-way contract in August 2023 and later secured him with a multi-year contract in February 2024. His tenure with the Thunder marked his establishment as a reliable NBA player.
Golden State Warriors Era (2024–2025)
In June 2024, the Golden State Warriors acquired Waters in a trade involving their 52nd draft pick. During a preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 5, 2024, Waters hit his first career buzzer-beating game-winning shot, a highlight moment in his career. Later that month, he scored a season-high 21 points with 8 rebounds in a decisive victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, showcasing his scoring and rebounding abilities.
San Antonio Spurs Era (2025–Present)
On July 24, 2025, Lindy Waters III signed with the San Antonio Spurs. This move represents a new chapter in his career as he aims to contribute to the Spurs’ roster with his versatile playing style and experience gained from previous NBA and G League stints.
Playing Style and Strengths
Waters is known for his versatility on the court, combining solid scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills. His experience in both the NBA and G League has honed his defensive capabilities and basketball IQ. Waters’ resilience and work ethic complement his physical attributes, standing 196 cm tall and weighing 95 kg, making him a valuable asset in multiple positions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Waters’ career include his first NBA buzzer-beater with the Golden State Warriors and his multi-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, he was part of the NBA G League championship-winning team in 2024, marking a significant achievement in his professional journey.
Lindy Waters III Career Wins
Throughout his career, Lindy Waters III has accumulated notable performances across the NBA and G League. His contributions to team successes, including the 2024 NBA G League championship, highlight his impact as a professional player.
NBA and G League Highlights
Waters’ career highlights include his steady progression from the G League to securing a multi-year NBA contract. His buzzer-beater for the Warriors and season-high scoring games demonstrate his ability to perform in clutch situations. His role in the Oklahoma City Blue’s championship run further underscores his competitive edge and team contribution.
Other Performances
Before joining the NBA, Waters showed promise with the Enid Outlaws in The Basketball League, averaging double-digit points and contributing across multiple statistical categories. His early professional years laid the foundation for his NBA career.
Lindy Waters III Family
Family Background and Heritage
Lindy Waters III is the son of Lindy Waters Jr. and Lisa Waters. He proudly represents his Kiowa and Cherokee heritage, which has been a significant influence in his life and career. His cultural background informs his community work and personal identity.
Personal Life
Details about Waters’ personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. He remains focused on his professional career and philanthropic efforts supporting Native American youth.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Lindy Waters III began his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, aiming to establish himself as a key contributor. His prior experience with the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder provides a solid foundation for his role with the Spurs. The season outlook includes opportunities to leverage his versatility and continue his development under the Spurs’ coaching staff.
Waters’ signing reflects the Spurs’ interest in adding depth and athleticism to their roster. His performance in the early part of the season will be critical in defining his long-term role with the team.
