Free Agent Profile: Shaun Livingston

As we near the 2014 NBA Draft, it is understood that the Sixers will be looking to find a few more pieces to round out the core starting five group during the draft. After the draft calls for a different story. Once Free Agency hits the Sixers could make an outside attempt at a big name Free Agent but the majority of their calls will be towards role players who can come in and play valuable minutes off the bench. This week the Free Agent Profile series takes an inside look at Brooklyn Nets Guard Shaun Livingston.

At a lanky 6’7, Livingston averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 boards, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals over the course of the regular season while also playing in 76 of 82 games. Livingston is now 28 years old and is now at the stage of his career where he knows his role on the team. He serves as a valuable and healthy guard that can come off the bench and produce quality minutes. One fault in Livingston’s game is he’s not much of an outside shooter by any means. Livingston only hit one 3-pointer this past season for Brooklyn in 6 attempts. This matters significantly for the Sixers because depending on what happens in next week’s NBA Draft, the team may be searching for a 2 guard that can shoot the outside shot. That’s not the case with Livingston, he is strictly get the ball in the paint.

Would Livingston fit with the Sixers? That’s the question that needs to be answered and like I just explained, I believe the answer depends on next week’s draft. I think if the Sixers were to draft a 3-point threat like Nick Stauskas, then yes, Livingston will be a good fit because we would have someone else who can shoot an outside shot. But on the other hand, if the Sixers were unable to get a 3-point threat in the draft, then I believe GM Sam Hinkie will pass on Livingston simply because he wouldn’t fit our needs. Let’s say for the sake of this article that the Sixers drafted a 3-point artist and pick up Livingston in free agency. He would be a perfect fit in this case because he could come off the bench, provide valuable minutes, and really contribute to the team. I don’t know if anyone else sees this comparison but Livingston actually reminds me of MCW, but its clear MCW has much more talent.

Livingston is an unrestricted Free Agent this year. The Nets are saying they would love to keep the 28 year old around but may not be able to because of cap reasons. The Nets just spend, spend, spend, and now that plan is starting to hurt them. They have virtually no money left and although they would like to keep Livingston on the roster, it is more likely he will be searching for a new team this summer. Depending on what Hinkie does in the draft, Livingston may or may not be a good fit for the Sixers next season.

Next week is draft week so no Free Agent Profile. All draft talk. Let’s get excited.

-@WillRock2424