WARRIORS THREE-PEAT, BUT WHO’S SURPRISED?
With the Warriors winning their third championship in the past four years, it’s no surprise that most of the focus has been on Kevin Durant’s impressive finals performance and second ring. Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, and Steph Curry all took home their third ring. But another player on the Warriors took home their third ring this postseason, finishing out the core five players who hav
e been a part of every championship Warriors team post-1975, Shaun Livingston. Livingston is a disciplined point guard whose career has been solid. He’s a key part of the NBA’s most dominant team since the 90’s Chicago Bulls and is definitely SLEPT ON.
SHAUN LIVINGSTON: MR. TURNAROUND
On the list of sad NBA careers almost ended by injuries, Shaun Livingston has to be named. After being the No. 2 ranked player in his high school class in 2004, he de-committed from Duke and decided to go straight to the NBA. He was drafted at fourth overall by the Clippers. After early seasons not going how he expected in a crowded backcourt on a rising 2005-2006 Clippers squad led by Sam Cassell, Livingston showed signs of development and improvement, averaging almost 10 PPG in the 2006-2007 season and improved in almost all statistical categories.
It all changed on February 26, 2007.
Livingston suffered one of the most traumatic injuries in NBA history. He landing awkwardly, causing his 6’7″ frame and thin left leg to literally snap beneath him. He tore his ACL, PCL, and lateral meniscus, as well as spraining his MCL and dislocating his patella and tibiofibular joint, all in one play. His whole career, robbed in front of his eyes. His worries were not on if he would ever play again. Livingston’s fear was of amputation and re-learning how to walk.
After missing almost two years, he amazingly recovered. Despite his recovery, he wasn’t relevant, playing with seven different teams until the 2013-2014 season. He never averaged over 10 PPG and stru
ggled to fit in. In the 2013-2014 season, after being slated as Deron William’s backup in Brooklyn, his efficiency and lockdown defense earned him a spot in the starting lineup. After showing he could be a solid overall player and back-up, the Golden State Warriors decided to take a chance on Livingston. They gave him a three-year, $16 million dollar contract. He’s been a solid backup and was given a pay increase after re-signing before the 2017-2018 season for another three-year contract, this time worth $24 million.
HOW DOES HE GET IT DONE?
Livingston’s game has ripened over time. His current skill-set is what truly makes him a player worthy of a Slept On nod. He doesn’t need to fill up the stat sheet as a member of the league’s most dominant offensive team. He’s there to take the load off from Steph Curry, and that’s exactly what he does best.
There’s a discussion that has rocked the boat of #NBATwitter. It’s talked about very frequently. What’s the most dominant move in NBA History? Top contenders include the Kobe Fadeaway, Dirk Fadeaway, Hakeem Dream Shake, Shaq Power Dribble, MJ Ball-fake, and the Jason Williams Elbow Pass.
One thing that’s never mentioned is Shaun Livingston’s five-foot fade. His ability to hit this little fade that he frequents has developed him into a player who can average 7 points on 4 shots per game. It’s the definition of consistency. After shooting 14/16 in the NBA Finals, Livingston once again proved why he’s so vital to his team. His large wingspan and aggressive defensive play help him be a solid two-way player. His height even lets him flirt with being a combo guard (despite his inability to shoot the 3-pointer). This two-way efficient play mixed with his signature fade and length is how Livingston gets it done.
Shaun Livingston’s adversity, efficiency, defensive prowess, and Five Foot Fade are why he’s a developed player in the NBA and incredibly:
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