Twisting John 3:16

Perhaps you've heard it...someone referenced John 3:16 and said "you don't have to be baptized to be saved because John 3:16." Did Jesus say John 3:16 to prove you don't have to be baptized into Christ? I contend John 3 is soaking wet in the waters of baptism, whether Nicodemus recognized it or not...Jesus certainly revealed more information later that leaves the honest seeker with a clear answer (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).