4 Milwaukee Bucks who can fill Wesley Matthews’ shoes in 2023-24: Chris Livingston
Sticking with the 2023 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks also added Chris Livingston with the final selection of the night. After just one year of college, the 19-year-old is still a raw prospect, but the wing has the build and skill set to be an interesting chess piece at the next level. He could be just what the Bucks are searching for right now on the defensive end after Matthews’ departure.
Jackson’s measurements list him as a 6-foot-6 wing with a 6-foot-11 wingspan while weighing in at 220 lbs. He’s a bulkier defender, which will be incredibly useful when bigger opponents come to town. In years past, Milwaukee oftentimes relied on smaller wings to defend larger ones, which rarely worked out well for them. Jackson immediately gives them some needed size on the wing.
It cannot be stressed enough that Livingston is just 19. He’s not going to come in and immediately replace what Matthews provided, but over time, he can undoubtedly grow into his role and utilize his skills to make an impact on that end. Alongside stout defenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, Livingston can learn from some of the best in the business.
If all goes well, Livingston could eventually become a vital piece of Milwaukee’s smaller lineups, which history has shown make this team incredibly dangerous.