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Shaun Livingston was drafted into the NBA as the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. He played four years for the division rivals: Los Angeles Clippers. Many thought his career would end after a gruesome left knee injury in which he tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL practically blowing out his entire knee. He bounced around the NBA from 2008 to 2013 until the Brooklyn Nets picked him up to play behind Deron Williams. Proving he can still play, this offseason the Warriors offered Livingston a three-year $16 million contract to back up sharpshooting point guard Stephen Curry.
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That’s enough about the past, today he’s still a tall, lanky, and lengthy NBA athlete. In this past September, he turned 29 years old and now is looking forward to push for a championship with the Warriors. Livingston will instantly improve the bench that played at a below average level. Last season, Livingston averaged 8.3 points, 3.2 dimes and 3.2 boards per game.
On February 11, 2013, Jonathan Abrams of Grantland wrote a piece on Livingston’s refusal to give up his dream even after one of the most gruesome sports injuries of all time. Although his injury was one of the worst and he’s bounced around the NBA Coach K of Duke praises and still believes Livingston will have the ability to see the floor and to pass effectively:
“The main thing about Shaun was his ability to pass the ball,” Krzyzewski wrote in an e-mail. “With his height, he was able to see some things that a normal point guard wouldn’t see. Even with his height, he was able to penetrate and make plays. He’s a beautiful player. Passing is one of the main things in our game that takes it to a whole other level. Shaun could do that as well as anybody.”
If he can live up to this and show his playmaking ability, the Warriors would have acquired a perfect piece towards the championship puzzle. With athletic players like Andre Iguodala and Harrison Barnes, dynamic and exciting plays are waiting to have the Oracle explode in enthusiasm. If the Warriors decide to go small in their lineup and Livingston sees the court with both Splash Brothers, there will be more opportunities for open jumpers. Last but not least, if the Warriors’ big men can stay healthy, this team looks complete. Although he is currently sidelined after having surgery on his big toe, Livingston is pushing to be ready by the beginning of the season.