Bobby Portis reacts after Bucks waive promising prospect

This part of the season can be unforgiving for players fighting to secure an NBA roster spot, and Chris Livingston knows that reality all too well. The free agent suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks during their preseason victory against the Detroit Pistons, only to be met with disappointing news about his future shortly after.

The Bucks parted ways with Chris Livingston after finalizing the signing of Alex Antetokounmpo, which left the roster full. One of Livingston’s former teammates hasn’t taken the news lightly. Bucks veteran Bobby Portis voiced his support, saying he hopes the young forward who impressed during training camp gets another opportunity to prove himself.

Speaking on Run It Back Fanduel TV, Bobby Portis shared that he believed Chris Livingston earned a spot on the Bucks roster. “One of the guys who got waived I want to give a bit of love to was Chris Livingston.I think he should have made the roster. He’s a great, great talent, he’s just got to figure out the system and whatever team he can fit on,” Portis remarked.

“He’s going to have a great career. He should get another chance somewhere for sure.”

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Chris Livingston with the 58th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Since then, he has split time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, appearing in 42 regular season games and two playoff contests during the 2023-24 campaign.

Letting go of Livingston required the Bucks to absorb his $2.3 million guaranteed salary, while Smith’s contract carried a $1.96 million guarantee. At just 23 years old, the former Kentucky standout still has time to find his footing, and it would not be surprising to see him land another NBA opportunity later in the season.

Having a respected veteran like Bobby Portis publicly backing him is a strong endorsement that could help his case for another opportunity. For Livingston and those who have followed his journey, his departure from Milwaukee is a tough way to close this chapter. He may find a fresh start with another team, but for the Bucks, he joins a growing list of draft disappointments under general manager Jon Horst.