There are a few Pokes who are active in the National Basketball Association. Let’s take a look at former Oklahoma State players who are now making noise in the NBA. 

- Lindy Waters III

Lindy Waters III played four seasons at Oklahoma State (2016-20), evolving from a freshman bench role (5.7 ppg) to a senior starter. Career college stats: 9.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 43.8% FG, 38.3% 3PT, 81.7% FT in 121 games. Highlights include sophomore All-Big 12 honorable mention (8.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and junior leadership (12.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg). 

Undrafted in 2020, he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing there until 2024, then briefly with Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons in 2024-25, before joining San Antonio Spurs in 2025. NBA career (through Nov. 2025): 5.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.8 apg, 40.1% FG, 36.9% 3PT in 160 GP.

- Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart starred at Oklahoma State for two seasons (2013-15), earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2014) and First-Team All-Big 12 (2015). Career college stats: 10.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.3 spg, 36.9% FG, 30.8% 3PT, 64.6% FT in 67 GP. 

Drafted No. 6 overall by Boston Celtics in 2014, he played nine years there, capturing 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and three All-Defensive First Teams. Traded to Memphis Grizzlies (2023-24), then Washington Wizards (2024-25), before a buyout led to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025. NBA career (through Nov. 2025): 10.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.6 spg, 38.8% FG, 32.3% 3PT in 644 GP.

- Cade Cunningham 

Cade Cunningham played one standout freshman season at Oklahoma State (2020-21), leading the Cowboys to a 21-9 record and earning Big 12 Player/Freshman of the Year, Consensus First-Team All-American, and USBWA National Freshman of the Year. College stats: 20.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.6 spg, 43.8% FG, 40.0% 3PT, 84.6% FT in 27 GP.

Selected No. 1 overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2021, he’sanchored their backcourt through injuries and rebuilds, earning 2021-22 All-Rookie First Team and 2024-25 All-NBA Third Team. NBA career (through Nov. 2025): 22.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 7.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 44.5% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 84.8% FT in 219 GP.