The Milwaukee Bucks recently made a surprising roster change involving Chris Livingston, who was initially expected to be part of their plans for the upcoming season. Livingston, the last player selected in the 2023 NBA draft, had signed a guaranteed contract through the 2025-26 season, but he was waived by the team on Thursday, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Livingston, a native of Akron, Ohio, was highly regarded as a top-15 recruit before joining the University of Kentucky. He was selected by the Bucks with the 58th overall pick and has since played a total of 42 games for the franchise. His performance, however, has been limited; he averaged just 4.7 minutes on the court, contributing 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game during his appearances.
At 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 pounds, Livingston has the physical attributes desirable for a player in today’s NBA. However, his struggles with shooting from the perimeter have hindered his overall impact on the game. While he may not be on the Bucks’ roster at the start of the season, there is a possibility that he could attract interest from other teams or find a place with the Bucks’ G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
This move reflects the competitive nature of the NBA and the challenges teams face in finalizing their rosters, especially as they aim to make strategic adjustments. Although this is a setback for Livingston, his background and talent suggest that he may find new opportunities in the near future.