Lindy Waters III has become a name to watch in the NBA. Known for his sharp shooting and strong work ethic, Waters has inspired many with his journey from undrafted rookie to a valued player on several NBA teams.
He plays for the Detroit Pistons and continues to make headlines for his performance on the court and his commitment to supporting Native American youth through his foundation. Fans are eager to know more about his background, career, and financial achievements.
Lindy Waters III’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lindy Waters III |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1997 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Education | Oklahoma State University (Bachelor of Science in Sports Management) |
| Nationality | American (Kiowa and Cherokee descent) |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2.5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $4,942,458 |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @lindywatersIII (basketball-focused, no public relationship mentions) |
| Twitter Profile | @lindywatersIII (basketball-focused) |
Early Career
Lindy Waters III was born in Boulder, Colorado, but his family moved to Norman, Oklahoma when he was four. Growing up, he was surrounded by sports, thanks to his father, Lindy Waters Jr., who was also a standout basketball player. Lindy attended Norman North High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented and versatile athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and football.
However, his high school journey was not without challenges. After posing for a picture with an airsoft gun as part of a bet, he was temporarily expelled, which led him to transfer to Sunrise Christian Academy. After several months, he returned to Norman North and helped lead his team to the state title game.
As a high school senior, Waters averaged 14.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, shooting over 50% from the field. He earned honorable mention All-State honors and was ranked by recruiting services as one of the top players in Oklahoma and among the top 20 shooting guards in the country. His performance attracted attention from several colleges, but he ultimately chose to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
At Oklahoma State, Waters faced adversity early on, suffering a concussion and a fractured foot during his freshman year, which caused him to miss several games. Despite these setbacks, he averaged 5.7 points per game and contributed to his team’s NCAA Tournament run. Over the next three years, Waters steadily improved, becoming known for his three-point shooting and leadership on and off the court. As a junior, he averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
By his senior year, he was a team co-captain and had started 104 games, tying for 10th most in school history. He finished his college career with 1,152 points, 254 assists, and 122 steals, making him one of only 11 players in Oklahoma State history to reach the 1,000-point, 250-assist, and 100-steal milestones.
Professional Career
After not being selected in the 2020 NBA Draft, Lindy Waters III did not let disappointment slow him down. He signed with the Enid Outlaws of The Basketball League in March 2021, where he played 17 games and averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. His performance demonstrated his readiness for higher competition and caught the attention of scouts.
Waters briefly signed with Palmer Alma Mediterránea in Spain’s LEB Oro league, but bureaucratic issues prevented him from playing overseas. Returning to the United States, he joined the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League in October 2021 after a successful tryout. With the Blue, Waters averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, showcasing his ability to adapt and contribute at the professional level.
His big break came in February 2022, when the Oklahoma City Thunder signed him to a two-way contract. Waters made the most of his opportunity, appearing in 25 games during his rookie NBA season and averaging 4.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in limited minutes. His shooting, especially from three-point range, became a valuable asset for the Thunder. In March 2022, he scored a career-high 25 points against the Atlanta Hawks, hitting 7 of 13 three-pointers.
The Thunder rewarded Waters’ hard work by converting his contract to a standard multi-year deal in February 2023. Over the next two seasons, he continued to develop, playing both for the Thunder and their G League affiliate. Waters became known for his consistent shooting, defensive hustle, and positive influence in the locker room. During the 2023–24 season, he shot an impressive 43.5% from beyond the arc, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable shooter.
Lindy Waters III’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Lindy Waters III’s net worth is estimated to be $2.5 million.
Contract
Lindy Waters III is currently signed with the Detroit Pistons on a two-year contract worth $2,963,065, which is fully guaranteed. This deal, set to run through the end of the 2024–25 NBA season, reflects the Pistons’ belief in his abilities as a reliable shooter and versatile wing player.
Upon the contract’s conclusion in the summer of 2025, Waters will become an unrestricted free agent, giving him the opportunity to negotiate with any NBA team for his next deal. This contract not only provides financial security but also marks an important step in his professional basketball career.
Salary
For the 2024–25 NBA season, Lindy Waters III is earning a base salary of $2,196,970 with the Detroit Pistons. This salary represents the highest annual earnings of his career so far and highlights his growing value as a dependable role player in the league.
The fully guaranteed nature of his contract ensures that he will receive the full amount regardless of team changes or injuries, providing financial stability as he continues to develop his skills and contribute to his team’s success.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $159,527 |
| 2022–23 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $2,316,876 |
| 2023–24 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $766,095 |
| 2024–25 | Detroit Pistons | $2,196,970 |
| Total | $5,439,468 |
Endorsements
Lindy Waters III’s endorsements in 2025 are closely tied to his commitment to empowering Native American youth and supporting Indigenous communities. While he does not have major national endorsement deals with global brands, he is actively involved in regional sponsorships and collaborations, particularly through his Lindy Waters III Foundation.
These partnerships help fund events like the annual scholarship golf tournament, which raises money for educational scholarships and youth programs. Sponsors and supporters often receive branded foundation merchandise and VIP experiences at these events, reflecting Waters’ focus on meaningful, community-driven initiatives rather than traditional commercial endorsements.
His growing influence as both an NBA player and a community leader continues to attract attention from organizations that value social impact and cultural representation.
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team(s) | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 25 | 1 | 18.6 | 40.6 | 36.3 | 80.0 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 8.0 |
| 2022–23 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 41 | 0 | 13.0 | 39.3 | 35.8 | 80.0 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 5.2 |
| 2023–24 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 38 | 0 | 7.4 | 47.1 | 43.5 | 100.0 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 3.6 |
| 2024–25 | Warriors/Pistons | 42 | 9 | 16.0 | 36.3 | 32.3 | 72.7 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 5.5 |
| Career | 146 | 10 | 13.2 | 39.9 | 36.6 | 78.9 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 5.2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Lindy Waters III?
Lindy Waters III is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. He is a citizen of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation, and he played college basketball at Oklahoma State University, where he was a four-year starter.
2. What is Lindy Waters III’s background and heritage?
Lindy Waters III is of Native American descent, specifically Kiowa and Cherokee. He has been recognized for his contributions to Native American communities and was named “Indian of the Year” by the American Indian Exposition in 2018.
3. What position does Lindy Waters III play?
Lindy Waters III primarily plays as a shooting guard and small forward. He is known for his three-point shooting and versatility on the court, contributing both offensively and defensively.
4. What are some highlights from Lindy Waters III’s college career?
At Oklahoma State University, Lindy Waters III started over 100 games, scored more than 1,000 points, and recorded over 250 assists and 100 steals. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management during his time there.
5. How did Lindy Waters III begin his professional basketball career?
After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, Lindy Waters III began his professional career with the Enid Outlaws in The Basketball League. He later joined the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League before signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
6. What are Lindy Waters III’s NBA career statistics?
Over four NBA seasons with the Thunder, Warriors, and Pistons, Lindy Waters III has averaged 5.2 points per game in 156 regular-season games. He is recognized for his three-point shooting and has a career three-point percentage around 36%.
7. Has Lindy Waters III received any notable awards or recognition?
Lindy Waters III was a finalist for the NBA 2023–24 Social Justice Champion Award for his work supporting Native American youth. He has also been honored by Native American organizations for his leadership and community involvement.
8. What is the Lindy Waters III Foundation?
Founded in 2022, the Lindy Waters III Foundation aims to support Native American youth and Indigenous communities through sports, health, wellness, and leadership programs. The foundation provides opportunities and resources for Native youth development.
9. What are some of Lindy Waters III’s best NBA performances?
Lindy Waters III’s NBA career-high in points is 25, achieved during the 2021–2022 season. He also scored 21 points with 8 rebounds for the Golden State Warriors in a 2024 game against the New Orleans Pelicans and hit a game-winning buzzer-beater in a preseason game.
10. What is Lindy Waters III’s current NBA contract status?
Lindy Waters III is under contract with the Detroit Pistons for the 2024–25 NBA season, earning a base salary of about $2.2 million. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
