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Milwaukee Bucks: Player Recently Cut from Roster Ironically Shows Out in Thrilling Game 1 of Summer League 3 Apr 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jamaree Bouyea (15) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Lindy Waters III (43) in the first half at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks: Player Recently Cut from Roster Ironically Shows Out in Thrilling Game 1 of Summer League

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 1:55 PM ET

Milwaukee Bucks Summer League is in full swing. The season opener against Denver had all the right ingredients: wild buzzer beater from a promising prospect, hot hand from a guy most fans have never heard of, a 5-foot-7 point guard getting a chance to touch the floor. The game ended with a mob of Bucks swarming Jamaree Bouyea down the court after his stepback three gave Milwaukee a 90-89 win.

Before that, 21-year-old Chris Livingston, recently waived by the Bucks, contributed to the Summer League spirit with as much a statement game as possible under the circumstances. He played his part as the bypassed prospect lighting up a scrimmage game in what might be his last hurrah with the franchise that drafted him.

Chris Livingston Steps Up in Summer League Like Milwaukee Bucks Wish He Could Do in Real Games

The only thing missing from the game on Thursday night was the face Bucks fans most wanted to see: Mark Sears, who sat out with a calf injury. Bogolijub Markovic, the 47th pick of this year’s draft, didn’t do much off the bench. Other than that, though, it was about as thrilling a summer game as basketball junkies are going to get.

Livingston was probably invited to the Summer League squad for a couple of reasons: his organic connection to the franchise and to audition for other teams or G League squads, whether Milwaukee’s or that of another organization

He’s done well in Summer League before. For anyone watching, he delivered another strong performance against the Nuggets. He tied for the team lead with 18 points, going 7-12 from the field and 3-6 from deep. He added 3 rebounds and 2 assists and committed zero turnovers.

In real games, the former Kentucky Wildcat has not impressed during his two years as a Buck. Last season, he played 21 games and scored 30 total points. He hasn’t gotten much of a shot, but he hasn’t earned one.

A former 58th overall pick, Livingston isn’t the kind of guy a team gets giddy about. Nonetheless, many held out hope that the 6-foot-6 wing, a body type the Bucks could use on next season’s roster, would pan out. Maybe he joins the Wisconsin Herd G-Leaguers, but his time in Milwaukee is probably near its end. If he finds success, chances are it’s going to be elsewhere.

Milwaukee Bucks: Player Recently Cut from Roster Ironically Shows Out in Thrilling Game 1 of Summer League 4 Milwaukee forward Chris Livingston (7) fights for control of the ball with Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the third quarter during an NBA game between Oklahoma City and Milwaukee at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

Livingston One of Several Faces Fan Probably Won’t See in Season

Cormac Ryan, who lasted played college ball in 2023-24, was Milwaukee’s co-leading scorer. He topped the team with a +16 in the box score. Come opening night, fans are unlikely to seem him in a Bucks jersey, but his slick-shooting performance is the kind of ephemeral feel-good story that flourishes in Summer League ball.

Doc Rivers also played 5-7 point guard Markquis Nowell, who appeared in a game for Toronto two seasons ago. Bouyea’s heroics stole the show at the end, but the Bucks also got a good outing from Pete Nance, who played six games as Buck last year and has flashed potential.

Andre Jackson Jr. made his only two shots, both behind the arc, but also turned it over three times and committed four fouls. Limited playmaking abilities already jeopardize his job on the team. Sloppy summer play doesn’t help his case.

Milwaukee Bucks: Player Recently Cut from Roster Ironically Shows Out in Thrilling Game 1 of Summer League 5 Jan 8, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Chris Livingston (7) takes a shot against Utah Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji (30) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In contrast to Livingston, though, Jackson still has a legitimate shot to make the roster, although his chances may be waning. The best thing for the former is to keep playing well in Summer League in hopes of future opportunities.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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