© Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Livingston showing the depth of his skills at Summer League
Milwaukee Bucks rookie Chris Livingston knows there's more to his game than what he's been able to show so far in his career. The Bucks' decision-makers also believe that, which is why they signed him to the largest total salary for a final pick in league history. With a four-year, $7.7 million rookie contract, Livingston is aware much will be expected of him, and the former Kentucky player is ready for the challenge.
Depth of his game
In his last season with the Wildcats, the 6-foot-6 small forward played just 22 minutes per game and averaged 6.3 points on 42 percent shooting, to go with 4.2 rebounds—numbers that, on the surface, were hardly inspiring. However, Livingston's strength and value came from making winning plays, and often times, these don't register in the stat sheet.
However, in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Livingston is slowly showing what he can do. In three games so far, Livingston is averaging 8.7 points on 50 percent shooting, including 40 percent from beyond the arc. He's also hauling down 5.7 boards and dishing out two assists per game, showcasing an ability to fill the stat sheet. Livingston said he always knew that he was capable of doing such things.
"I don't think it's me proving myself, it's just people not doing their homework because I've been a scorer my whole life," Livingston said. "So, it's not a surprise to me, but to them, it might be a surprise. I know I didn't showcase that to the best of my ability at Kentucky as far as the volume of shots that I was able to shoot and things like that, but being at summer league, I'm able to open up and kind of play my game more."
Impact of rookie contract
Livingston added that having a long-term contract this early in his career will help him approach the game differently.
"I feel like it's just really encouraging to see how much the team believes in me," Livingston said. "The trust they have in me, the potential they see in me, so I'm very appreciative of the opportunity I've been given. I'm definitely going to take advantage of it, so I'm just really happy."
