Former OKC Thunder fan favorite Lindy Waters III has had somewhat of an unusual pro career to this point. Since going undrafted back in 2020, the Oklahoma native signed with OKC and spent the better part of three years as a perimeter role player.
Needless to say, his career hasn't exactly taken off since leaving his home state. Waters has failed to match his rookie average of 8.0 points per game and has now seemingly hit a new low by officially signing with the Beijing Ducks of China.
The contract comes after Waters failed to make an impact last year with the San Antonio Spurs. He played in just 40 games, averaging a modest 2.4 points on 37.5 percent shooting. The numbers apparently spoke for themselves, as no NBA team was willing to bring him aboard for the 2026-27 season.
Ex-Thunder forward's new deal makes an NBA comeback improbable
It's not impossible for an ex-NBA player to return to the league after a brief stint in China. For reference, Michael Beasley, J.R. Smith, and Jimmer Fredette all returned after playing at least a year overseas.
Waters' contract in and of itself isn't a death sentence, but his situation might be unique.
The OSU alumnus has been given a lengthy leash in the NBA thus far. Five years is already longer than most undrafted role players get to prove their worth.
Given that he has only shot better than 40.0 percent from the floor twice, he may have seen his last opportunity. The three aforementioned comebacks were from players who boasted a significantly higher pedigree than Waters, and they all had arguably built better resumes before they left.
Therefore, Lindy Waters may have a tough time bringing his basketball career back to the States. Even if he dominates in Beijing, his suboptimal resume speaks volumes about his inability to provide consistent value to a team at the highest level.
Lindy Waters will always live in Oklahoma lore
While his future in the NBA isn't looking all too bright, Waters will always be beloved by his fellow Oklahomans. A lifelong Okie, Waters grew up in Norman before playing basketball for Oklahoma State. He logged two double-digit point seasons before earning his two-way roster spot with the Thunder back in 2022.
He continues to serve OKC and surrounding areas to this day through his own personal foundation, where he promotes Native American youth involvement in sports.
Thunder fans are likely hoping they haven't seen the last of their fellow state native, though nothing is certain.
For the foreseeable future, he will be playing away from the spotlight as he attempts to earn his way back to the NBA.
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