What Can Cavs Expect From Chris Livingston?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to sign former Milwaukee Bucks forward Chris Livingston to a two-way contract, according to multiple reports. Born in Akron, the 22-year-old played for local Buchtel High School in his freshman and junior seasons. After graduating from prep powerhouse Oak Hill Academy, he then committed to Kentucky’s blue blood basketball program.

Cavs Take The Reins From Bucks For Homegrown Chris Livingston

Entering college, Livingston looked like the best prospect Akron had produced since former St. Vincent-St. Mary standout LeBron James. That isn’t to say he was receiving a Michael Jordan-esque billing, like James was. He simply had a lot of promise and, perhaps, even more support.

That’s what makes the Cavs’ decision to fill their final two-way slot with him unsurprising, even if he’s been on the court for just 207 minutes, playoffs included. After all, the Bucks only waived Livingston to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s little brother, Alex Antetokounmpo. It’s a tragic twist for a player whose agent purposely steered him to Milwaukee following a 2023 NBA Draft promise, per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania (then with The Athletic). However, like their addition of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, it was seen as their way of extending the olive branch to a cornerstone that’s been knocked loose.

On top of that, the Bucks “have now gone 11 consecutive draft classes without signing a pick to a second contract,” according to ESPN senior writer Brian Windhorst. In fact, Giannis was their last draft pick to receive that honor. So, what should Cleveland expect of Livingston, Milwaukee’s sacrificial lamb?

What To Expect From Chris Livingston

In 42 regular season appearances with the Bucks, Livingston averaged 1.3 points, 1.3 rebounds per game, shooting 40.8% from the field and 7.7% from 3. It’s unwise to read much into such a small sample size, especially when he played fewer than five minutes in 30 of those contests. However, those are definitely forgettable numbers (or numbers someone would want to forget).