3 Thunder Players Entering a ‘Make or Break’ Season
Can Lindy Waters III stick on a highly competitive OKC Thunder squad?
When it comes to inspirational stories, there are not many more unique than Waters’ journey to the OKC Thunder. Over his 66 career regular season games, Waters has gained the reputation of a three-point specialist; he has to shoot the ball better than 36 percent to become a staple of an NBA rotation.
After playing well through two seasons, Waters was rewarded with a standard NBA contract before the team declined his team option this off-season. That was just paperwork for the OKC Thunder, as it bought them time to re-sign Waters to another two-way contract.
Lindy Waters III’s contract option is so interesting:
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) May 2, 2023
-+ defense
-100th percentile off screens (1.591 PPP)
-50% on corner 3’s
-small sample size rim (73%) mid-range (80%)
-Has to be better than 35% from 3
-roster spots are at a premium
pic.twitter.com/tDR8C5MYzu
This two-way contract may be the last chance for Waters to prove his NBA spot. His three-point accuracy must improve, as a career 36 percent shooter from deep needs to be better for a marksman that holds the role of knocking down threes at an elite level.
Lindy Waters III improved as a team defender last season, helping fight for extra possessions and making crisp rotations in Mark Daigneault’s scheme. However, improving his on-ball defense can make him a sought-after, valuable asset in the modern NBA.
Without significant improvement, Waters might find himself on the free agent market again following this season and with just one more season of two-way contract eligibility.