Lindy Waters III: Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Basketball and Wellness
Lindy Waters III, a forward for the San Antonio Spurs, is leveraging his professional basketball platform to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth. By hosting basketball clinics in San Antonio, Waters aims to spread awareness about Indigenous peoples and provide mentorship to the next generation of Native American athletes.
Advocating for Native American Youth
Beyond his performance on the court, Waters is deeply committed to his heritage as a Kiowa and Cherokee-American. He has established a foundation dedicated to supporting Native American youth, focusing on three critical pillars: sports, health, and wellness. This holistic approach ensures that young athletes have the resources they need to succeed both physically and mentally.
His dedication to community service has not gone unnoticed by the league. Waters was named a finalist for the NBA 2023–24 Social Justice Champion Award, a recognition of the impactful work his foundation performs to uplift Indigenous communities.
A Journey of Perseverance
Waters’ ability to inspire youth stems from his own path of resilience. After playing college basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, he entered the professional circuit as an undrafted player. His journey to the NBA was marked by persistence, including a stint where he became an NBA G League champion in 2024.
Before joining the San Antonio Spurs for the 2025-26 season, Waters gained valuable experience with several organizations, including:
- Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City Blue
- Golden State Warriors
- Detroit Pistons
Impact in San Antonio
Now wearing #43 for the San Antonio Spurs, Waters uses his visibility in Texas to foster inclusivity. By bringing basketball clinics to the local Indigenous community, he provides a visible example of success for Native American youth, encouraging them to pursue their goals in athletics and education whereas remaining connected to their cultural identity.
Key Takeaways: Lindy Waters III’s Community Impact
- Cultural Heritage: Proudly identifies as Kiowa and Cherokee-American.
- Philanthropic Focus: His foundation prioritizes sports, health, and wellness for Native American youth.
- League Recognition: Recognized as a finalist for the NBA 2023-24 Social Justice Champion Award.
- Professional Resilience: Transitioned from an undrafted college player to a professional athlete with the San Antonio Spurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of Lindy Waters III’s youth clinics?
The clinics are designed to spread awareness of Indigenous peoples and provide Indigenous youth in San Antonio with mentorship and basketball training.
What specific areas does Waters’ foundation support?
The foundation focuses on improving the lives of Native American youth through sports, health, and wellness initiatives.
Which college did Lindy Waters III attend?
He played college basketball for Oklahoma State from 2016 to 2020.
As Lindy Waters III continues his career with the Spurs, his commitment to Indigenous advocacy serves as a blueprint for how professional athletes can use their influence to drive social change and improve community health outcomes.