Chris Livingston was impressive in the NBA Summer League, prompting the Milwaukee Bucks to re-sign the 2023 second-round pick to the roster. He has now taken the No. 24 jersey, formerly of Pat Connaughton, and will be hoping to emulate his former teammate's success as a fan favorite and Swiss Army Knife for the Bucks.
It has not been an easy NBA journey for Livingston, with most of his two seasons spent with the Wisconsin Herd, but he now has the chance to be a real key piece for the Bucks moving forward. Milwaukee's draft picks have been very underwhelming, with the last real success being Malcolm Brogdon all the way back in 2016. A Livingston leap would not only help his career but also the Bucks.
Chris Livingston needs to follow the footsteps of Pat Connaughton
The offseason as a whole for the Bucks has been action-packed, and it felt like Livingston's time in Wisconsin was over when he was waived before Summer League. Averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 38.1 percent from deep earned him a one-year deal with the team and an opportunity to really stake his claim as an NBA player.
Summer League should be taken with a pinch of salt, but Livingston looked legitimate. His offense was the most impressive aspect of his game, creating shots for himself and others while still playing that physical defense we all saw during his time at Kentucky.
Connaughton came to Milwaukee before the 2018-19 season, where he would then spend seven seasons with the Bucks. Similar to Livingston, Connaughton was still trying to find his way in the league and, once settled, grew into an important piece of the 2021 title-winning team. That year, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds on shooting splits of .434/.371/.775 in 22.8 minutes per game. Those numbers aren't too out of the realm for Livingston to aim for.
What the Bucks have needed in previous seasons is a wing that can defend but also make shots when needed. P.J. Tucker was another who was essential in that championship run. The Jae Crowder move was a complete disaster, and Taurean Prince hasn't quite locked down his spot on the wing. That is where Livingston can earn his minutes.
Prince struggled like many in the playoffs, to the point of being dropped to the bench and almost becoming unplayable. Livingston still has youth and athleticism on his side, and that is something the Bucks have targeted this offseason.
Livingston has all the tools to be a solid NBA player. He's a good defender, good in transition, and as an outside shooter, along with his size and athleticism. Now he needs to take the opportunity and prove he can be a great piece around Giannis Antetokounmpo, just like Connaughton was. A Livingston leap to a solid role player would be hugely beneficial to everyone.