Lindy Waters III is a Kiowa and Cherokee-American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on July 28, 1997, in Boulder, Colorado, Waters played college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys from 2016 to 2020. After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, he began his professional journey in minor leagues before eventually establishing himself in the NBA. He was named a finalist for the NBA 2023–24 Social Justice Champion Award for the work his foundation does to support Native American youth through sports, health, and wellness.
Lindy Waters III Bio
Lindy Waters III grew up with deep ties to his Native American heritage. He is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe and also has Cherokee Nation descent. His mother is of Cherokee and Irish descent, while his father, Lindy Waters Jr., is a full-blooded Native American. Waters attended Norman North High School in Norman, Oklahoma, before transferring to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. He committed to playing college basketball for Oklahoma State in November 2015.
Early Life and Background
Waters was born on July 28, 1997, to Lindy Waters Jr. and Lisa Waters in Boulder, Colorado. His multicultural background shaped both his identity and his outlook on life. Waters is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe and also carries Cherokee Nation descent through his mother’s side of the family. His father is a full-blooded Native American, providing Waters with direct connections to his tribal heritage.
During his senior year at Norman North High School, Waters experienced a significant setback. After losing a bet with friends, he posed for a picture with an airsoft gun. The incident led to his expulsion from the school. He transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy but was allowed to return to Norman North after several months. Upon his return, he rejoined the basketball team and helped lead them to the state title game, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Path to Professional Basketball
Waters committed to Oklahoma State University in November 2015, choosing to continue his basketball career with the Cowboys. His freshman season was challenging as he sustained both a concussion and a fractured foot, causing him to miss several games. Despite these injuries, he averaged 5.7 points per game on a team that reached the NCAA Tournament. His sophomore year showed improvement as he averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
In August 2018, Waters received recognition for his Native American heritage when he was named “Indian of the Year” by an Intertribal Council. His junior season saw him average 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. As a senior, he averaged 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. After four seasons with the Cowboys, Waters entered the 2020 NBA Draft but went undrafted, prompting him to pursue professional opportunities elsewhere.
Lindy Waters III Career
Early Professional Career (2021–2022)
Following the 2020 NBA Draft, Waters signed with the Enid Outlaws of The Basketball League on March 31, 2021. In 17 games with the Outlaws, he averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating his all-around abilities. On July 6, 2021, he signed with Palmer Alma Mediterránea of the LEB Oro in Spain, but the contract was voided on August 14 due to bureaucratic problems.
In October 2021, Waters joined the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League after a successful tryout. That season, he played in 16 games for the Blue, averaging 11.4 points per game. His strong performance caught the attention of the parent team. On February 10, 2022, Waters was signed to a two-way contract by his hometown team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the 2021–22 season, he competed in 25 games for the Thunder and averaged eight points per game, showing flashes of his offensive potential.
Oklahoma City Thunder Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On February 27, 2023, the Thunder converted Waters’ deal into a multi-year standard contract, signaling their confidence in his abilities. In the 2022–23 season, Waters played in 31 games for the Thunder and averaged 5.2 points per game. He also appeared in 13 games for the Oklahoma City Blue, where he averaged 16.4 points per game, showcasing his ability to dominate at the G League level.
The Thunder re-signed Waters to a two-way contract in August 2023 after declining his team option. On February 9, 2024, he signed a multi-year contract with the Thunder. In the 2023–24 season, Waters played 38 games for the Thunder, averaging 3.6 points per game. He also appeared in three playoff games for the Thunder, though he did not score. Additionally, he played 10 games for the Blue and averaged 21.8 points per game, continuing his strong G League production.
Golden State Warriors (2024–2025)
On June 27, 2024, Waters’ NBA journey took a new turn when the Golden State Warriors traded their 52nd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to acquire his rights. During the preseason, Waters made an immediate impression. On October 5, 2024, in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers, he hit a game-winning buzzer-beater, marking his first career buzzer-beating game winner.
On October 29, 2024, Waters scored a season-high 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Warriors’ blowout victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. For the season, he competed in 38 games for the Warriors and averaged 5.5 points per game, providing valuable depth off the bench.
Detroit Pistons (2025)
On February 6, 2025, Waters was traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of a five-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. With the Pistons, he played in 14 games and averaged 4.4 points per game during his brief stint in Detroit.
San Antonio Spurs (2025–Present)
On July 24, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs announced they had signed Waters. This move brought him to a new franchise as he continued his NBA career. In his first season with the Spurs, Waters appeared in 40 games and averaged 2.4 points per game, working to establish his role within the team’s rotation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Waters is known as a versatile wing player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. His shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a consistent tool throughout his career. He has shown the ability to score in double figures when given opportunities. His experience in the G League, where he averaged over 20 points per game in some stretches, demonstrates his offensive capabilities. Waters brings intangible value through his professionalism and work ethic, having worked his way from minor leagues to a consistent NBA presence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Waters’ most memorable moments was his game-winning buzzer-beater against the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024 preseason with the Golden State Warriors. That performance provided a glimpse of his clutch abilities. He also achieved the status of NBA G League champion in 2024. His selection as a finalist for the NBA 2023–24 Social Justice Champion Award highlighted his commitment to community service and his foundation’s work supporting Native American youth through sports, health, and wellness programs.
Lindy Waters III Career Statistics
Waters has accumulated NBA experience across multiple teams since beginning his professional career in 2021. His G League stats show strong scoring production, with multiple seasons averaging over 16 points per game with the Oklahoma City Blue. His NBA career has been built through persistence and consistent effort, earning him spots on rosters through training camp performances and two-way contracts.
College Statistics (Oklahoma State)
During his four seasons at Oklahoma State, Waters developed into a reliable college player. As a freshman, he averaged 5.7 points per game despite injuries. His sophomore year saw him average 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. His junior season was his most productive, as he averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. As a senior, he averaged 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
Lindy Waters III Family
Family Background and Heritage
Waters comes from a family with strong Native American roots. He is the son of Lindy Waters Jr. and Lisa Waters. His father is a full-blooded Native American, while his mother is of Cherokee and Irish descent. Waters himself is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe and also holds Cherokee Nation descent. This heritage has played a significant role in shaping his identity and values throughout his life.
Personal Life
Beyond basketball, Waters has dedicated himself to giving back to his community. He established a foundation that focuses on supporting Native American youth through sports, health, and wellness programs. This commitment to community service earned him recognition as a finalist for the NBA 2023–24 Social Justice Champion Award. Waters continues to use his platform to inspire young people, particularly those from Native American backgrounds.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter for Waters as he joined the San Antonio Spurs. He appeared in 40 games throughout the season, averaging 2.4 points per game. While his minutes were limited, Waters remained a professional presence in the locker room and provided depth at the wing position. The Spurs have valued his experience and leadership qualities as they continue building their roster around young talent. Looking ahead, Waters will seek to increase his contributions with the Spurs in future seasons.