Shaun Livingston finds a temporary home

by Mike Prada on Feb 26, 2010 11:01 PM EST in First-hand reporting

Shaun Livingston held court with reporters after tonight's game, talking for the first time after signing with the Wizards. He said that he had received other offers while working out in Chicago for the last two months, but decided to come to DC because it presented the right opportunity.

"I got some other offers, [but] I thought this was probably the best situation for me [in terms of] coming in and playing," Livingston said.

Livingston said he came in for a workout yesterday, meaning the Wizards needed less than 24 hours to decide to sign him (cue the "they didn't do their due diligence" crowd). However, as Flip Saunders said before the game, Livingston impressed the staff with his basketball IQ and his recovery from his knee surgery. As Flip said it, assistant coach Randy Wittman apparently felt Livingston looked much better than he did in October of last year, when Livingston came to camp with Wittman's old team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"I'm being thrown in the fire," Livingston said, while smiling. "Opportunity."

Livingston also said the Wizards' mix made an impression on him.

"They're resilient," he said. "Guys staying together, playing hard. Obviously, there's no chemistry, but what can you expect with so many new guys and guys playing so much more than they did before the trades. It just shows character and resilience."

In tonight's game, Livingston got a couple spot minutes, with his most notable play being one where he was called for a five-second call on a key possession late in the game.

"I just told the [ref], Last time I got one of those, I was in the fifth grade.'"

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flip messed up

okay, why was livingston who was just signed this morning in the game for that play to begin with? I’m a little confused as to why Boykins wasn’t in instead, he’s had a couple of great finishes in the clutch this season. I was really disappointed in Flip for putting Livingston in who hasn’t even practiced with the team yet over Boykins who has proven he can handle pressure. dislike! on the bright side I’m really liking what I’m seeing from Young lately, I love how he can get his own shot. He just needs to play better D so he can get more time, and make better decisions at times.

by macattack777 on Feb 27, 2010 1:11 AM EST reply actions

The sheet on Livingston says

that he’s a good decision maker…. doesn’t make many mistakes…. Plus, he’s tall (6’5") for a PG.

Perhaps that’s why Flip asked him to throw the ball inbounds…

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Feb 27, 2010 8:59 AM EST up reply actions

actually, he's 6'7"

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Feb 27, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions

Maybe somebody else inbounds, but ...

(and I’m with you on the ‘Why didn’t Boykins play more?’ idea) …

But if you ask me to choose, all things considered, between Boykins and Livingston as an inbounder, I’m choosing the 6’7" guy every time.

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by Kyle Weidie on Feb 28, 2010 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

he was inbounding the ball. he is pretty qualified to throw the ball in bounds- under normal circumstances. it was one of dozens of plays that “made the difference” they scored two points in overtime!

we signed him for a 10 day commitment, so maybe they want to see if there is anything there. this is a good time to see people log minutes and find out what you’ve got, including boykins.

by les boulez bomber on Feb 27, 2010 8:48 AM EST reply actions

Can't help but root for the guy

The issue won’t be “rust” and bad decisions like that. The issue will be that left leg.

The kid was about to emerge back with the Clips. The numbers were all in line in limited play. He could defend, he was a 6’7" PG who really saw the floor. It’s a shame.

"It has come to the editor’s attention that the Herald-Leader neglected to cover the civil rights movement. We regret the omission."

by feral on Feb 27, 2010 9:08 AM EST reply actions

Was he playing PG or...other?

Ridiculous Upside, where developing talent and winning are not mutually exclusive.

by Jon L on Feb 27, 2010 10:31 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I'm ok

with the signing, but I would’ve liked to see them sign another big guy. We’re too thin in the middle (no pun intended), and with the youth movement in full swing, I’d like to see Oberto’s minutes dwindle. What happened to that rookie we had in preseason?

by CJHutch on Feb 27, 2010 12:37 PM EST reply actions

I'm thinking/hoping ...

The Wiz sign a big guy once the Mike James situation is resolved. Otherwise, we also need a 3rd string PG.

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by Kyle Weidie on Feb 28, 2010 4:15 PM EST up reply actions

Welcome to Washington, Sean!

I really hope, both for his sake and for the team’s, that Livingston’s knee holds up, that he gets his wind and timing back, and that his confidence increases during his time with the Wizards. Getting Livingston at 70-80% of what he was some years back would be incredible, especially considering his price tag and what I assume is a sincere desire to make it again in the NBA. Really, truly, best of luck.

by dogshammdog on Feb 27, 2010 12:38 PM EST reply actions