Brief Introduction of Lindy Waters III
Lindy Waters III is a Kiowa and Cherokee-American professional basketball player who has carved out a notable career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a proficient shooting guard. Known for his sharp three-point shooting and resilient journey, Waters went from being an undrafted player in the 2020 NBA Draft to securing contracts with multiple NBA teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and the San Antonio Spurs. Beyond the basketball court, Waters is a prominent advocate for his Indigenous heritage. He is a proud enrolled citizen of the Kiowa Tribe and is also of Cherokee Nation descent. His commitment to his roots is demonstrated through his foundation, which supports Native American youth through sports, health, and wellness programs, earning him recognition as a finalist for the NBA’s Social Justice Champion Award.
Lindy Waters III Overview
| Full Name | Lindy Waters III |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Boulder, Colorado, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Lindy Waters Jr. (Father), Lisa Waters (Mother), Leana, Loren, and Lindsey (Sisters) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2.5 million to $2.7 million |
Early Life and Education of Lindy Waters III
Lindy Waters III was born on July 28, 1997, in Boulder, Colorado, to Lindy Waters Jr. and Lisa Waters. At the age of four, his family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, where he would be raised and develop a deeper connection to his Native American heritage. His parents instilled in him a strong sense of pride in his Kiowa and Cherokee roots from a young age. Waters attended Norman North High School, where he became a standout multi-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. His high school basketball journey included a challenging period when he was expelled during his senior year for posing with an airsoft gun in a picture after losing a bet. This led to a temporary transfer to Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas before he was permitted to return to Norman North. Upon his return, he helped lead the basketball team to the state title game. As a highly-rated recruit, he committed to playing college basketball for Oklahoma State University in November 2015.
Lindy Waters III’s Career
Lindy Waters III played four seasons of college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys (2016-2020), where he became a key player and a two-time co-captain. He finished his collegiate career with over 1,000 points, 250 assists, and 100 steals, becoming just the 11th player in the university’s history to achieve this milestone. Despite a solid college career, Waters went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. His professional journey began on March 31, 2021, when he signed with the Enid Outlaws of The Basketball League (TBL). He excelled with the Outlaws, averaging 12.6 points per game and helping the team win a championship. His performance caught the attention of NBA G League scouts, and after a successful tryout in October 2021, he joined the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder. On February 10, 2022, his hard work paid off when the Oklahoma City Thunder signed him to a two-way contract, a significant moment as it was his hometown team. He later had his contract converted to a multi-year standard NBA deal in February 2023. Waters played for the Thunder and their G League affiliate until 2024, winning a G League championship with the Blue in 2024. Over the subsequent years, he had stints with the Golden State Warriors and the Detroit Pistons before signing a one-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs in July 2025.
Lindy Waters III Personal Life & Family
Lindy Waters III’s identity is deeply intertwined with his family and his Native American heritage. He is the son of Lindy Waters Jr., a former standout basketball player himself at Southern Nazarene, and Lisa Waters. He has three sisters: Leana, Loren, and Lindsey. Waters is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa Tribe and is also of Cherokee descent. His family has always been central to his connection with his culture, encouraging participation in cultural events like pow-wows and Cherokee stomp dances. His home in Oklahoma was filled with sacred artifacts, such as eagle feathers, that represented his lineage. This deep connection is also physically represented through his tattoos, which include a buffalo symbolizing the Kiowa tribe, an eagle feather, a portrait of his grandfather, and the Kiowa word “Pao,” meaning “three” or “next in line.” He is not publicly known to be married or in a relationship. Through his foundation, he actively works to mentor and provide opportunities for Native youth.
Awards and Achievements of Lindy Waters Iii
- NBA G League Champion (2024)
- NBA Social Justice Champion Award Finalist (2023–24)
- “Indian of the Year” by the American Indian Exposition (2018)
- Academic All-Big 12 Second Team (2020)
Lindy Waters Iii Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Lindy Waters III’s net worth is estimated to be between $2.5 million and $2.7 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his NBA contracts. Over his career, he has signed multiple contracts with several teams. For the 2025-26 NBA season, he signed a one-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs valued at $2,461,463. His career earnings from the NBA through the 2025 season total over $7.4 million. While information on his endorsement deals is not widely available, he is significantly involved in philanthropy through the Lindy Waters III Foundation, which focuses on supporting Indigenous communities.
Legacy and Influence
Lindy Waters III’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the basketball court. He is one of the few active NBA players of Native American descent and embraces the responsibility that comes with his platform. He serves as an inspiration for Indigenous youth, demonstrating that achieving dreams at the highest level of professional sports is possible. His most significant influence may be his work off the court through the Lindy Waters III Foundation, which he founded in 2022. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Native American youth through programs centered on sports, health, wellness, and leadership. His commitment to social justice and uplifting his community was recognized when he was named a finalist for the 2023–24 NBA Social Justice Champion Award. Waters actively uses his voice and resources to address challenges within Native communities and to foster a sense of pride and opportunity for the next generation.
Interesting Facts about Lindy Waters Iii
- He is a citizen of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and is also of Cherokee Nation descent.
- His Kiowa name is “Pao,” which means “three”.
- He started the Lindy Waters III Foundation in 2022 to support Native American youth.
- In high school, he was a talented multi-sport athlete, also playing baseball and football.
- He was named “Indian of the Year” by the American Indian Exposition, one of the oldest and largest intertribal celebrations in the nation, in 2018.
- One of his ancestors, the Kiowa leader Satank, is immortalized with a portrait in the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
- He has tattoos that honor his heritage, including a buffalo (a symbol of the Kiowa tribe) and a portrait of his grandfather.
Controversies
During his senior year at Norman North High School, Lindy Waters III was involved in a notable incident. He was expelled after posing for a picture with an airsoft gun, which was the result of losing a bet with friends. The disciplinary action required him to transfer to Sunrise Christian Academy for several months before he was eventually allowed to return to Norman North and rejoin the basketball team.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@lindywatersiii): Publicly available profile, follower count not specified.
- Twitter (@lindywatersiii): Publicly available profile, follower count not specified.
- YouTube: Not publicly available.
Final Words about Lindy Waters Iii
Lindy Waters III’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, cultural pride, and the impact an athlete can have beyond their sport. From facing the uncertainty of being an undrafted player to building a solid career in the NBA, his journey is defined by a relentless work ethic. Currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs, he continues to prove his value as a skilled shooter in the league. However, his ultimate legacy is being shaped by his deep commitment to his Kiowa and Cherokee heritage. As one of the few Native American players in the NBA, he carries his identity with honor and purpose. Through his foundation and public advocacy, Lindy Waters III is not just a basketball player; he is a role model and a leader, dedicated to creating a brighter future for Indigenous youth and ensuring his culture is represented and celebrated at the highest levels.
