There have been many Milwaukee Bucks fans pulling for Chris Livingston to get more minutes. After all, how great would it be to find a strong athletic rotation three/four late in the second round of the draft? Despite the fanbase's enthusiasm, the majority of his time has been spent in the G-League playing for the Bucks' affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
Livingston has played very well for the Herd, averaging 18.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season. He has consistently been impactful both offensively and on the boards every time he takes the court. For the Milwaukee Bucks, you couldn't ask for much more from a late second-round pick who's only gotten chances with the affiliate squad.
Is Livingston ready for the NBA? The question looms
Despite good G-League production, it hasn't translated to minutes in the NBA. Livingston played just 21 games for the Bucks last regular season and averaged five minutes per game.
Other two-way players like Ryan Rollins have made their way onto the floor more consistently, which Livingston hasn't been able to accomplish in his two-year stint. Part of the reason is his position. On a team with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis taking up almost all of the minutes at the power forward spot, there isn't much time left to go around.
The only chance at playing significant minutes would have required him to play at the three spot. But his inability to shoot the three consistently has kept him out of consideration by Doc Rivers and the coaching staff. Unless he can develop a consistent long-range jumper, it is hard to see that changing anytime soon.
The acquisition of Kyle Kuzma (who can play both the three and the four) at the trade deadline only further hurt Livingston's chances of seeing real minutes at either spot.
With forwards like Kobe Sanders, Samson Johnson, Darrion Williams, and Wisconsin's John Tonje likely to be available when the Bucks are up with the 47th pick, Chris Livingston's time could be nearing its end as his non-guaranteed contract deadline date looms.
It is hard to imagine the team would retain Livingston on a two-way deal when they just drafted a player at his same position.
With the draft a little over a month away, Chris Livingston's future on the Bucks hangs in the balance. Livingston's fate will likely be determined by how Jon Horst and the Bucks front office approach their second-round pick. If they decide to add another player to the frontcourt, it likely spells trouble for the former Kentucky Wildcat.