History of Dion Waiters in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 1, 2024

"Dion Waiters Jr. is a former American professional basketball player. Drafted fourth overall in 2012 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Waiters played college basketball at Syracuse. His NBA career included stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won an NBA championship.

December 10, 1991: Birth of Dion Waiters Jr.

Dion Waiters Jr. was born on December 10, 1991.

2012: Dion Waiters Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers

Despite not participating in pre-draft workouts, Dion Waiters was chosen as the fourth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012 NBA draft. This decision raised eyebrows among scouts as Waiters hadn't been a starter in college and played zone defense at Syracuse.

2012: Dion Waiters Drafted to the NBA

In 2012, Dion Waiters was drafted into the NBA, marking the start of his professional basketball career.

January 14, 2013: Dion Waiters Scores Career-High 33 Points

Dion Waiters achieved a career-high score of 33 points against the Sacramento Kings on January 14, 2013, making 12 out of 18 shots.

February 14, 2014: Dion Waiters in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge

On February 14, 2014, Dion Waiters participated in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, ending the game with 31 points and 7 assists.

March 18, 2014: Dion Waiters Achieves First Career Double-Double

Dion Waiters recorded his first career double-double on March 18, 2014, scoring 17 points and a career-high 11 assists in a game against the Miami Heat.

November 5, 2014: Dion Waiters and the National Anthem Controversy

On November 5, 2014, Dion Waiters chose to remain in the locker room during the U.S. national anthem, initially attributing his absence to his Muslim faith. He later clarified that his religious beliefs were not the reason for skipping the anthem.

January 5, 2015: Dion Waiters Traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder

Dion Waiters was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 5, 2015, as part of a three-team trade also involving the New York Knicks.

April 15, 2015: Dion Waiters Ties Career-High 33 Points

On April 15, 2015, during the final game of the season, Dion Waiters tied his career-high score of 33 points, contributing to the Oklahoma City Thunder's 138-113 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

November 10, 2015: Dion Waiters Scores Season-High 25 Points

Dion Waiters achieved a season-high score of 25 points on November 10, 2015, contributing to the Oklahoma City Thunder's 125-101 victory against the Washington Wizards.

June 27, 2016: Oklahoma City Thunder Offers Dion Waiters Qualifying Offer

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended a qualifying offer to Dion Waiters on June 27, 2016, aiming to retain him as a restricted free agent. However, they later rescinded this offer on July 18, making him an unrestricted free agent.

July 26, 2016: Dion Waiters Signs with the Miami Heat

Dion Waiters joined the Miami Heat on July 26, 2016, signing a new contract with the team.

January 4, 2017: Dion Waiters Returns to Action After Injury

On January 4, 2017, Dion Waiters returned to the court for the Miami Heat after being sidelined for 20 games due to a Pectineus tear.

January 30, 2017: Dion Waiters Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

For his performance from January 23 to 29, 2017, Dion Waiters was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, a testament to his contribution to the Miami Heat's winning streak.

July 7, 2017: Dion Waiters Re-signs with the Miami Heat

Dion Waiters continued his journey with the Miami Heat by re-signing with the team on July 7, 2017.

October 30, 2017: Dion Waiters Matches Career-High 33 Points

Dion Waiters equaled his career-high score of 33 points on October 30, 2017, during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, though the Miami Heat narrowly lost in overtime with a score of 125-122.

December 22, 2017: Last Game Before Injury and Return

Dion Waiters last played on December 22, 2017, before being sidelined by an ankle injury and returning to the court on January 2, 2019.

January 2018: Dion Waiters Sidelined by Ankle Injury

A persistent left ankle issue forced Dion Waiters out of action indefinitely in January 2018. On January 22, he underwent surgery to address the instability in his left ankle, along with a pre-existing navicular bone fracture.

December 28, 2018: Dion Waiters Assigned to G League for Rehabilitation

As part of his rehabilitation from ankle surgery, Dion Waiters was assigned to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat's G League affiliate team, on December 28, 2018.

January 2, 2019: Dion Waiters Returns to the Miami Heat

Dion Waiters marked his return to the Miami Heat on January 2, 2019, scoring 7 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, his first game since December 22, 2017.

October 19, 2019: Dion Waiters Suspended by Miami Heat

The Miami Heat suspended Dion Waiters for their 2019-20 season opener on October 19, 2019, due to conduct detrimental to the team.

2019: Three-Year Hiatus and Battle with Depression

After the 2019-20 NBA season, Dion Waiters took a three-year break from professional basketball. During this time, he struggled with depression.

2019: Second-Round Pick Exchange in Dion Waiters Trade

As part of the 2015 three-team trade involving Dion Waiters, a second-round pick in the 2019 NBA draft was exchanged.

January 24, 2020: Dion Waiters Returns for the Miami Heat

Dion Waiters made his return to the court for the 2019-20 season on January 24, 2020, scoring 14 points in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, despite the Miami Heat's 122-117 loss.

February 6, 2020: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies and Waived

On February 6, 2020, Dion Waiters was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team trade. However, he was waived by the Grizzlies just three days later.

March 6, 2020: Signed with Los Angeles Lakers

On March 6, 2020, Dion Waiters signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

July 30, 2020: Lakers Debut

Dion Waiters made his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on July 30, 2020, in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He scored 11 points in the Lakers' 103-101 victory.

2020: NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2020, Dion Waiters won his first NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in six games in the Finals.

July 13, 2023: Private Workout for NBA Scouts

On July 13, 2023, hoping for another chance in the NBA, Dion Waiters held a private workout in front of NBA scouts at the Victoria Fertitta Middle School.