When the Nets got off to a slow start in 2013-14, they did it without Shaun Livingston in the lineup. Then, at-the-time coach Jason Kidd made a change: Livingston would start next to Deron Williams, Paul Pierce would play the 4 and they Nets would go not so much small, but "position-less."
Livingston gave them legitimate defensive versatility as someone who could defend guards and wings. Pierce, meanwhile, stretched the floor.
Livingston played so well during his sole season in Brooklyn that he ended up signing a three-year contract for the full mid-level exception with the Golden State Warriors last summer. Now, he's one of the bench player whose helped that team to 67 wins and an NBA Finals appearance.
Over at the Examiner, Gregory Hrinya writes about how one of the Nets' bigger mistakes of the past year was letting Livingston walk:
Click here to read the full piece.
The 29-year-old Livingston averaged 5.9 points and 3.3 assists per game during his first full season in Golden State.
(H/t to Gregory Hrinya at the Examiner.)
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
His length, size, and court vision all make him a valuable commodity when building a championship team. Most eyes will follow Stephen Curry–and rightly so, as he was named the 2015 NBA MVP–but Livingston’s impact on a basketball game is nothing to dismiss.
A quick look at the stat sheet will also rarely do him justice. His one key stat is plus/minus. While that can sometimes be misleading because of the teammates on the floor with a player, Livingston’s are fairly accurate.
In the Warriors’ lone loss against the Houston Rockets, Livingston was a +10 while Curry was a -20. That’s misleading in the sense that Livingston is not the superior player, but it’s accurate in saying that the former Net won his matchup against Houston’s backups.
And considering the Warriors’ main strength is depth, Livingston will surely play a pivotal role in what many predict is a Golden State championship over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, Livingston reflected on his arduous path to reach the Finals, but he also made a claim that reflected quite poorly on the Nets’ philosophy of team building.
"Just looking at the possibilities with [the Warriors] and my role, it was the best fit for sure," he said. "I had to sacrifice minutes. This is my 11th year. I'd rather play on a winning team in a reserve role than play on a losing team and have a bigger role, a starter or something like that."
