Shortly after selecting Andre Jackson Jr. with the 36th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks were back on the board at 58.
They landed on Chris Livingston of the Kentucky Wildcats. It had been reported by NBA insider Shams Charania during the draft that Livingston’s well-known agent, Rich Paul, had told teams not to take his client, as he seemingly had a draft promise from someone. He had also canceled seven of his scheduled workouts ahead of the draft for the same reason. The Bucks ultimately got their guy, and he got a historic rookie deal. With all of that said, let us grade the decision by looking at the contract, his fit, role, and long-term outlook.
The financial aspect of Chris Livingston’s deal with the Milwaukee Bucks
This is the historic part of the deal. Livingston’s rookie deal with Milwaukee is worth $7.7 million, which is the largest ever for the final pick of an NBA Draft, per Charania. Only the first two years of the deal are guaranteed, which makes sense for a second rounder. The Bucks clearly have faith in Livingston after giving him the largest-ever salary for a player selected last. It’s certainly one of their more interesting decisions from this off-season thus far.
It’s a bold strategy by the Bucks, but it makes sense. More than ever in recent memory, it seems like the front office wants to invest in youth. They want to develop young pieces into legitimate on-the-court contributors, and they’re clearly willing to pay the price to do so if it’s a player they feel strongly about. Financially, it’s a lot of money for a final pick, but fans should keep in mind that Livingston very well could have gone much higher had his agent not told teams to stay away.
Breaking down Chris Livingston’s fit and role with the Milwaukee Bucks
Entering the off-season, the Bucks had a shortage of wing players above 6-foot-5. With the new additions of Jackson and Livingston, they added support by bringing in a pair of 6-foot-6 players. Jackson is more ready than the 19-year-old Livingston, but they both have to tools to help out if called upon this coming season.
When Livingston gets on the floor, it will be because of his defense. The 6-foot-6 forward weighs in at 220 lbs, giving the Bucks a bulky yet very versatile defender. Throughout the past few years, one of Milwaukee’s significant flaws has been its undersized wings being taken advantage of by the opposition. Livingston will not immediately come in and be an elite defender, but he has both the size and strength to make an impact on that end once he gets his legs under him.
The fit defensively is great, but there are questions involving how Livingston can make his mark on the offensive side of the ball. Livingston didn’t showcase much at Kentucky, having averaged just 6.3 points while shooting 30.5 percent from three. While it seems like the Bucks will not be living and dying by the 3-pointer as much as they have in recent years, it would still certainly help if the role players can hit them. Livingston will have to work on that outside shot.
On day one, his role likely will not be prominent. When he checks in, Livingston will be tasked with playing tough defense while also hauling in rebounds. He’s been an enforcer on the glass during a four-game Summer League showing thus far, and hopefully he can keep that up. If he can give the Bucks both of those in spurts, it would help mightily.
Chris Livingston’s long-term outlook with the Milwaukee Bucks
Given the hefty contract, the Bucks would love it if Livingston sticks around for quite a long time.
The biggest thing Livingston will have to work on if he wants to stick is his offense, especially from behind the arc. He cannot be a non-threat on that side of the ball. The young forward must also do some work on his handles. Although he won’t be handling it as much at the next level, he’s shown a knack for turning the ball over when he does have it due to a loose handle. At 19 years old, he has a long time to develop his game, especially with a coach who prioritizes playing development in an organization that believes in him to the fullest extent.
If Livingston can improve that perimeter shot while proving to be a stout defender, one player who could be his long-term outlook is his new teammate, Jae Crowder. The Bucks traded for Crowder at the deadline last season because they needed a versatile wing who could defend scorers and shore up the team’s versatility. Livingston checks off those boxes and could be a key piece of this team for years to come if he can hone in on those aspects of his game. During his rookie season, Livingston should look to learn as much from Crowder as he can.
In short, Livingston’s long-term outlook is far from clear-cut, but he’s got the potential to be a big steal for the final pick of a draft if he ultimately does pan out.
The verdict on Chris Livingston’s deal and fit with the Milwaukee Bucks
At the end of the day, Chris Livingston is a solid addition to the Milwaukee Bucks roster both in the short term and the long term.
Short term, he’s a 6-foot-6 wing who could be used as an energizer in spots. His role might not be the most prominent right away, but he has the tools to make an impact when called upon. Looking at the long term, Bucks fans have been outright begging for the team to add young players for the team to develop; they’ve just done that by adding the 19-year-old. Considering just how young the forward is, there are bound to be some growing pains for Livingston, but he’s got potential.
The contract itself sounds incredibly hefty and possibly worrisome for some fans, but it’s truly just a two-year deal that could stretch to four if Livingston excels. The Bucks certainly would not mind paying for those final two years if it means the forward is making a legitimate impact on the team and their success. The biggest thing with Livingston will be patience. Milwaukee hasn’t had young talent like him in a long time, and fans should not expect him to make a monstrous impact right as next season begins, especially as the 58th pick. This is a long-term investment.
BTBP Grade: B+
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis, breakdowns, and news this NBA off-season.