This part of the season can be unforgiving for players fighting to secure an NBA roster spot, and Chris Livingston knows that reality all too well. The free agent suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks during their preseason victory against the Detroit Pistons, only to be met with disappointing news about his future shortly after.
The Bucks parted ways with Chris Livingston after finalizing the signing of Alex Antetokounmpo, which left the roster full. One of Livingston’s former teammates hasn’t taken the news lightly. Bucks veteran Bobby Portis voiced his support, saying he hopes the young forward who impressed during training camp gets another opportunity to prove himself.
Mar 11, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) awaits the resumption of play against the Golden State Warriors during overtime at Chase Center. The Warriors won 125-116. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking on Run It Back Fanduel TV, Bobby Portis shared that he believed Chris Livingston earned a spot on the Bucks roster. “One of the guys who got waived I want to give a bit of love to was Chris Livingston.I think he should have made the roster. He’s a great, great talent, he’s just got to figure out the system and whatever team he can fit on,” Portis remarked.
“He’s going to have a great career. He should get another chance somewhere for sure.”
Bucks parting ways with Chris Livingston
Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Chris Livingston (7) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks selected Chris Livingston with the 58th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Since then, he has split time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, appearing in 42 regular season games and two playoff contests during the 2023-24 campaign.
Letting go of Livingston required the Bucks to absorb his $2.3 million guaranteed salary, while Smith’s contract carried a $1.96 million guarantee. At just 23 years old, the former Kentucky standout still has time to find his footing, and it would not be surprising to see him land another NBA opportunity later in the season.
Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) looks on during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Having a respected veteran like Bobby Portis publicly backing him is a strong endorsement that could help his case for another opportunity. For Livingston and those who have followed his journey, his departure from Milwaukee is a tough way to close this chapter. He may find a fresh start with another team, but for the Bucks, he joins a growing list of draft disappointments under general manager Jon Horst.