Lindy Waters III
{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1997)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Lindy Waters III
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| position = Shooting guard / small forward
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 6
| weight_lbs = 210
| league = NBA
| team = Detroit Pistons
| number = 43
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|7|28}}
| birth_place = Boulder, Colorado, U.S.
| high_school =
- Norman North
(Norman, Oklahoma) - Sunrise Christian Academy
(Bel Aire, Kansas)
| college = Oklahoma State (2016–2020)
| draft_year = 2020
| career_start = 2021
| years1 = 2021
| team1 = Enid Outlaws
| years2 = 2021–2022
| team2 = Oklahoma City Blue
| years3 = {{nbay|2021|end}}–{{nbay|2023|end}}
| team3 = Oklahoma City Thunder
| team4 = →Oklahoma City Blue
| years5 = {{nbay|2024|full=y}}
| team5 = Golden State Warriors
| years6 = {{nbay|2024|end}}–present
| team6 = Detroit Pistons
| highlights =
}}
Lindy Waters III (born July 28, 1997) is a Kiowa-American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. 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.{{cite web|title=Border politics in Arizona|url=https://ictnews.org/newscasts/05-01-2024|work=ICT News|date=May 1, 2024|access-date=May 2, 2024}}
Early life
Waters was born on July 28, 1997, to Lindy Waters Jr. and Lisa Waters.{{Cite web |last=Gallo |first=Nick |date=March 10, 2022 |title=Honoring the Native Tradition - Lindy Waters III's Connection to His People |url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/story/honoring-the-native-tradition-211119 |access-date=October 24, 2024|website=okcthunder.com}} Waters attended Norman North High School. During his senior year, he posed for a picture with an airsoft gun after losing a bet with friends. Waters was expelled after the incident and transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy. After several months, he was allowed to return to Norman North and re-joined the basketball team, helping the team reach the state title game.{{cite news |last1=Scarborough |first1=Alex |title=Lindy Waters III and how to make the most of a second chance |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/25924062/lindy-waters-iii-how-make-most-second-chance |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=ESPN |date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182546/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/25924062/lindy-waters-iii-how-make-most-second-chance |url-status=live }} In November 2015, Waters committed to playing college basketball for Oklahoma State.{{cite news |last1=Mayberry |first1=Darnell |title=Former Norman North guard Lindy Waters commits to OSU |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5458667/former-norman-north-guard-lindy-waters-commits-to-osu |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=The Oklahoman |date=November 6, 2015 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118012623/https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5458667/former-norman-north-guard-lindy-waters-commits-to-osu |url-status=live }}
College career
During his freshman year, Waters sustained a concussion and a fractured foot that caused him to miss several games. He averaged 5.7 points per game on a team that reached the NCAA Tournament. As a sophomore, Waters averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. In August 2018, he was named "Indian of the Year" by an Intertribal Council.{{cite news |last1=Lancaster |first1=Zach |title=Lindy Waters Named Indian Of The Year By Intertribal Council |url=https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma-state/Article/OSU-Basketballs-Lindy-Waters-Named-Indian-Of-The-Year-By-Intertribal-Council-120868635/ |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=247 Sports |date=August 20, 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111220111/https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma-state/Article/OSU-Basketballs-Lindy-Waters-Named-Indian-Of-The-Year-By-Intertribal-Council-120868635/ |url-status=live }} Waters averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game as a junior.{{cite web |title=Oklahoma State guard Waters wants to open doors for Native American players |url=https://intertribalathletics.com/2019/09/16/oklahoma-states-waters-wants-to-open-doors-for-native-american-players/ |website=Intertribal Athletics |access-date=January 17, 2022 |date=September 26, 2019 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183132/https://intertribalathletics.com/2019/09/16/oklahoma-states-waters-wants-to-open-doors-for-native-american-players/ |url-status=live }} As a senior, Waters averaged 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
Professional career
=Enid Outlaws (2021)=
After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Waters signed with the Enid Outlaws of The Basketball League on March 31, 2021.{{cite news |title=Outlaws sign former Cowboy Lindy Waters III |url=https://www.enidnews.com/sports/outlaws-sign-former-cowboy-lindy-waters-iii/article_1d1948b6-919c-11eb-aeb7-a7ae33824ca1.html |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=Enid News & Eagle |date=March 31, 2021 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183159/https://www.enidnews.com/sports/outlaws-sign-former-cowboy-lindy-waters-iii/article_1d1948b6-919c-11eb-aeb7-a7ae33824ca1.html |url-status=live }} In 17 games, he averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. On July 6, 2021, he signed with Palmer Alma Mediterránea of the LEB Oro.{{cite news |title=El Palmer Palma ficha al norteamericano Lindy Waters |url=https://www.diariodemallorca.es/deportes/2021/07/06/palmer-palma-ficha-norteamericano-lindy-54736600.html |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=Diario de Mallorca |date=July 6, 2021 |language=Spanish |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118184515/https://www.diariodemallorca.es/deportes/2021/07/06/palmer-palma-ficha-norteamericano-lindy-54736600.html |url-status=live }} However, the contract was voided on August 14 due to bureaucratic problems.{{cite web |title=Rescisión del contrato de Lindy Waters III |url=https://www.bahiasanagustin.es/index.php/545-noticias-leb/leb-oro-21-22/4290-rescision-del-contrato-de-lindy-waters-iii |website=Bahiasanagustin.es |access-date=January 17, 2022 |language=Spanish |date=August 14, 2021 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814093015/https://www.bahiasanagustin.es/index.php/545-noticias-leb/leb-oro-21-22/4290-rescision-del-contrato-de-lindy-waters-iii |url-status=live }}
=Oklahoma City Thunder / Blue (2021–2024)=
In October 2021, Waters joined the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League after a successful tryout.{{cite web |title=Honoring the Native Tradition - Lindy Waters III's Connection to His People |url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/story/honoring-the-native-tradition-211119 |website=NBA.com |access-date=January 17, 2022 |date=November 20, 2021 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118195824/https://www.nba.com/thunder/story/honoring-the-native-tradition-211119 |url-status=live }} He averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his first season for the Blue.
On February 10, 2022, Waters was signed to a two-way contract by his hometown team the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{cite web|title=Thunder Signs Lindy Waters III to Two-Way Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/waters-two-way-220210|website=NBA.com|date=February 10, 2022|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210231036/https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/waters-two-way-220210|url-status=live}}
On February 27, 2023, the Thunder converted Waters' deal into a multi-year standard contract.{{cite web|title=Thunder Signs Lindy Waters III to Multi-Year Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-watersiii-230227|website=NBA.com|date=February 27, 2023|access-date=February 27, 2023}} He was assigned to the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League on March 2, 2023.{{cite web|title=OKC Thunder news: Lindy Waters III assigned to G League's OKC Blue|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/okc-thunder-news-lindy-waters-215329121.html|website=Yahoo.com|date=March 3, 2023|access-date=March 3, 2023}} On August 18, the Thunder re-signed Waters III to a two-way contract after declining his team option{{cite web|title=Thunder Signs Lindy Waters III to Two-Way Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-waters-230818|website=NBA.com|date=August 18, 2023|access-date=August 18, 2023}} and on February 9, 2024, he signed a multi-year contract with the Thunder.{{cite web|title=Thunder Signs Lindy Waters III to Multi-Year Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/waters-240209|website=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2024|access-date=February 10, 2024}}
=Golden State Warriors (2024–2025)=
On June 27, 2024, the Golden State Warriors traded their 52nd draft pick for Waters III, however they re-acquired the pick just hours later, in exchange for cash compensation.{{cite web|title=Warriors Acquire Guard Lindy Waters III From Thunder|url=https://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-acquire-lindy-waters-iii-20240627|website=NBA.com|date=June 27, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024}}
During a preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Waters hit a game-winning buzzer beater on October 5, 2024. This was his first career buzzer-beating game winner.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-06 |title=Former Thunder Guard Dominates Preseason Opener With Viral Buzzer Beater |url=https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/okc-thunder-lindy-waters-warriors-preseason-viral-buzzer-beater |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Oklahoma City Thunder On SI |language=en-US}}
On October 29, 2024, Waters scored a season-high 21 points, along with 8 rebounds in a blowout victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=What we learned as Podz, Waters fuel Warriors' comeback win vs. Pels |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/lindy-waters-brandin-podziemski-win-pelicans/1799326/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=NBC Sports Bay Area & California |language=en-US}}
=Detroit Pistons (2025–present)=
On February 6, 2025, Waters was traded to the Detroit Pistons in a five-team trade, including Jimmy Butler to the Warriors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-acquire-dennis-schr%d3%a7der-lindy-waters-iii-and-draft-compensation-as-part-of-series-of-transactions|title=DETROIT PISTONS ACQUIRE DENNIS SCHRӦDER, LINDY WATERS III AND DRAFT COMPENSATION AS PART OF SERIES OF TRANSACTIONS|date=February 6, 2025|website=nba.com}}
Career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend}}
=NBA=
==Regular season==
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2021}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City
| 25 || 1 || 18.6 || .406 || .363 || .800 || 2.9 || 1.0 || .8 || .3 || 8.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2022}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City
| 41 || 0 || 12.9 || .393 || .358 || .800 || 1.8 || .7 || .3 || .3 || 5.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2023}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City
| 38 || 0 || 7.4 || .471 || .435 || 1.000 || 1.1 || .6 || .1 || .2 || 3.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;" rowspan=2| {{nbay|2024}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Golden State
| 38 || 9 || 17.2 || .371 || .331 || .727 || 2.5 || 1.1 || .6 || .3 || 5.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Detroit
| 14 || 0 || 8.8 || .364 || .395 || {{sort|-|–}} || 1.0 || .7 || .4 || .1 || 3.4
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 156 || 10 || 13.2 || .399 || .366 || .789 || 1.9 || .8 || .4 || .2 || 5.2
{{S-end}}
==Play-in==
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2023
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City
| 2 || 0 || 10.5 || .286 || .167 || {{sort|-|—}} || 1.5 || 1.0 || .5 || .0 || 2.5
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| Career
| 2 || 0 || 10.5 || .286 || .167 || {{sort|-|—}} || 1.5 || 1.0 || .5 || .0 || 2.5
{{S-end}}
==Playoffs==
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbapy|2024}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City
| 3 || 0 || 2.8 || .000 || .000 || {{sort|-|—}} || .3 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| Career
| 3 || 0 || 2.8 || .000 || .000 || {{sort|-|—}} || .3 || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0
{{S-end}}
=College=
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2016–17
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma State
| 23 || 12 || 16.0 || .495 || .442 || .714 || 1.8 || .8 || .6 || .0 || 5.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2017–18
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma State
| 35 || 31 || 27.1 || .443 || .373 || .768 || 3.7 || 2.0 || .9 || .4 || 8.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2018–19
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma State
| 32 || 32 || 33.8 || .437 || .448 || .878 || 4.2 || 2.8 || 1.3 || .2 || 12.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| 2019–20
| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma State
| 31 || 30 || 31.7 || .381 || .317 || .825 || 4.2 || 2.4 || 1.2 || .1 || 10.5
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 121 || 105 || 27.9 || .427 || .390 || .817 || 3.6 || 2.1 || 1.0 || .2 || 9.5
{{S-end}}
Personal life
Waters is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa tribe and he is also of Cherokee Nation descent.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/lindy-waters-native-american-cherokee-nation/1752286/ |title=Why Native American heritage fuels newest Warrior Waters |publisher=NBC Sports Bay Area |accessdate=2024-09-09}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://okstate.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/lindy-waters-iii/7421 Oklahoma State Cowboys bio]
{{Detroit Pistons current roster}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Waters, Lindy III}}
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:American people of Cherokee Nation descent
Category:Basketball players from Oklahoma
Category:Detroit Pistons players
Category:Golden State Warriors players
Category:Native American basketball players
Category:Norman North High School alumni
Category:Oklahoma City Blue players
Category:Oklahoma City Thunder players
Category:Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball players