In the Bucks' surging youth movement, 1 player has been largely forgotten

The Milwaukee Bucks have looked deflated coming out of the gates to start the season, and instead of relying on his established veterans, head coach Doc Rivers is surprisingly looking deep into his bench for answers.

Where he would have played Pat Connaughton starters minutes a season ago, Rivers is pleasingly giving names like AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. some well-deserved run. But as the young Bucks seem to find their footing one after the other, one name has gotten lost in the mix: Chris Livingston.

Livingston, the Bucks’ second-year forward drafted alongside Andre Jackson Jr., is one of those rare athletic freaks who could be exactly what Milwaukee’s roster is missing.

Chris Livingston may have more to give the Bucks if given the chance

Livingston shined in limited minutes during the preseason and Summer League, showcasing a knack for aggressive rebounding, versatile defense and hustle plays—qualities the Bucks sorely lack at the moment. Through five Summer League games, he put up 10.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in almost 27 minutes a night. His three-ball was still generally inefficient, but he did show marked improvement on the glass.

In the preseason, Livingston finished with averages of just two points and 1.7 rebounds a night through three games where he was seemingly overtaken by the other young pieces. Yet every minute he played, he still consistently displayed defensive hustle, grabbing loose balls and showing flashes of tenacity in the paint.

What's more, word from Milwaukee Bucks’ training camp earlier hinted that the young forward may have hit another growth spurt over the offseason, adding size and strength to an already athletic frame. Listed at 6-foot-6 and reportedly still growing, he now brings an even more imposing physical presence that could help solve Milwaukee’s energy issues.

On a team with aging players like Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, both of whom bring veteran know-how but lack the sheer athleticism to keep up with today’s quicker, younger lineups, Livingston’s athletic profile is a breath of fresh air.

His ability to switch on defense, recover quickly, and close out on perimeter shooters would add a dimension the Milwaukee Bucks are missing. And compared to defensive pieces like Jackson Jr. and MarJon Beauchamp, Livingston is likely the only one of the three who has the mass to play at the four spot, too.

Milwaukee's surging youth movement should include Livingston

Doc Rivers has shown he’s open to giving young players a chance, experimenting with Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green as he searches for an effective rotation. And with third-year forward MarJon Beauchamp no longer in the equation, the time is now for Livingston to step up and make his presence felt on the team.

For this writer, Livingston has, at the very least, shown he deserves a shot to prove he should be part of that mix. Green’s shooting and Jackson’s defensive versatility have been welcome additions, but Livingston’s sheer athleticism and rebounding instincts could take the Milwaukee Bucks’ hustle (or lack thereof, currently) to another level.

Livingston's offensive game is still developing, but his rebounding potential and willingness to go after contested shots could pay dividends. He may not be a polished scorer just yet, but his work ethic on both ends of the court suggests he could bring much-needed balance.

With Milwaukee off to a rocky start, it’s time for the team to find a solution, and it’s clear that recycling the same old rotations won’t solve the problem. Bringing Livingston into the fold would add a layer of unpredictability. At a time when the Bucks are trying to find their identity, putting a chip-on-his-shoulder second-year player into the lineup could be the spark they need.

The Milwaukee Bucks need a spark, and with no assets to try and land other defensive-minded wings, perhaps it’s time for Doc Rivers to glance further down the bench at a young player who’s flown mostly under the radar.

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