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.[2] In November 2015, Waters committed to playing college basketball for Oklahoma State.[3]
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.[2] 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.[4] Waters averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game as a junior.[5] As a senior, Waters averaged 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.[6]
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.[6] 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.[7] However, the contract was voided on August 14 due to bureaucratic problems.[8]
Oklahoma City Blue (2021–2022)
In October 2021, Waters joined the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League after a successful tryout.[9] 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 27, 2023, the Thunder converted Waters' deal into a multi-year standard contract.[11] He was assigned to the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League on March 2, 2023.[12] On August 18, the Thunder re-signed Waters III to a two-way contract after declining his team option[13] and on February 9, 2024, he signed a multi-year contract with the Thunder.[14]
Golden State Warriors (2024–present)
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.[15]