Despite brimming with potential, Chris Livingston never fully unleashed it with the Milwaukee Bucks. Whether due to a lack of ample opportunities or simply because he was too raw, the forward never got his time to shine, and it resulted in him being cut before last season. Now that he's another year older, it might be worth eyeing a reunion this summer.
Bucks still need a player like Livingston on the payroll
For years, the Milwaukee Bucks have been hunting for adequate small forward depth in the form of a two-way contributor. Jae Crowder. MarJon Beauchamp. Amir Coffey. None have lived up to the lofty standard the Bucks have lacked on both sides of the floor since P.J. Tucker departed in 2021, though Wesley Matthews did his best (and remains the most successful contestant).
Livingston isn't some magic fix to this problem. Perhaps he could be worth a look, though. What has always stood out with Livingston is the physical profile. At 6-foot-6, 220lbs, he has the build to take on bigger matchups but also enough athleticism to switch adequately. A piece like that, if it works out, could make a world of difference for Milwaukee.
Even beyond the defense, Livingston's rebounding could help the Milwaukee Bucks beyond measure. In 42 regular season G League games, where the forward has truly gotten to spread his wings, he has averaged 7.3 boards per contest. That's nothing to scoff at for a player who is 6-foot-6. He uses his sheer physical nature to fight down low. The current Bucks could use that tenacity.
It would be cheap to bring back Milwaukee's former draft pick
Livingston is currently without a contract, suiting up down in the G League. He will have another year of two-way eligibility after this one, so it would make plenty of sense for the Milwaukee Bucks to make him an offer if they have an available slot. It would be the ultimate low-risk move, and they likely would not face any stiff competition.
The Bucks clearly like Chris Livingston. Not only did they make him the richest final pick of a draft ever in 2023, but they also actually gave him a new contract last offseason before cutting him. They can admit that cutting him to sign Amir Coffey was a mistake in hindsight and move on from there with a new contract, even if it's just a two-way.
Given Milwaukee's ongoing predicament on the wing, it would make plenty of sense to add a piece who can potentially help that already has familiarity with the team.
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