by Joe Mussatto, Oklahoman
Lindy Waters III has a tattoo that reminds him to “press on.”
He got it between graduating from OSU and playing small-time pro ball with the Enid Outlaws.
“It’s something that stuck with me,” Waters said.
Waters reflected on those words Tuesday when asked about his promotion from a two-way contract to a standard NBA contract with the Thunder.
“Thankful for a lot of people along the way that helped me to get to where I am,” Waters said. “Very thankful for the organization for giving me a shot, letting me come in and work out and showing they care. But yeah, it’s just been a wild ride.”
Waters, who grew up in Norman and played four years at OSU, joined the Oklahoma City Blue last season as an end-of-the-bench guy. A steady hand the Blue could lean on to help some of the Thunder’s prized prospects develop.
It turns out he was overqualified for that role. In 50 games with the Thunder, Waters is shooting 37% from 3-point range.
“You’re kinda like, maybe there’s more here,” Daigneault said. “And there is. We think he’s a good player. He’s got a real chance.”
Waters and forward Eugene Omoruyi were the Thunder’s two-way contract players to start the season. Omoruyi got the first crack at an NBA contract, but he was waived two weeks later.
“Eugene did everything we asked him to do,” Daigneault said. “He was a soldier from a program standpoint.”
Now it’s Waters’ turn. As for how long, who knows, but Waters is relishing the chance.
“Staying here in Oklahoma,” Waters said, “playing here my whole life, can’t describe it any other way than a blessing.”
It didn’t take long for Waters to get warm on Wednesday. He checked in late in the first quarter and promptly drilled a 3-pointer.
In the second quarter, Waters volleyball spiked a Wenyen Gabriel attempt.
Waters earned a spot in the Thunder’s closing lineup.
