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The acquisition of Shaun Livingston this off-season could end up being one of the better free agent signings the Warriors have had in recent memory. The versatile 6-foot-7 point guard had a great 2013-14 season with the Brooklyn Nets and the Warriors took notice. His ability to defend multiple positions combined with his high basketball IQ will be a great boost for the second unit.
Livingston had surgery on his right big toe in August after it was discovered during his physical. It was initially believed that he would miss 6-8 weeks, which means he would miss most of training camp, but would certainly be able to come back just in time for the start of the season. According to Jordan Ramirez, Livingston is aiming to be ready for opening night, which no longer seems like a guarantee:
Livingston says his personal goal is to be ready for opening night.
— Jordan Ramirez (@JRAM_91) September 29, 2014
Not having Livingston in training camp will have him playing catch-up at the beginning of the season. Livingston won’t be able to build chemistry with the second unit and he’s going to have to quickly learn how to play with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. If Livingston is ready for opening night, he will likely need some time to get acclimated and get into a rhythm. Livingston has grown accustomed to battling back from injury, so this nothing new for the nine year veteran.
After not acquiring Kevin Love, Livingston became the Warriors biggest off-season pick-up and is expected to be a key contributor coming off the bench. If he’s able to stay healthy through out the season, Steve Kerr will have some much needed depth at the point guard position, which will give him the ability to manage Curry’s minutes during the 82 game season. Livingston averaged 8.3 points, 3.2 dimes and 3.2 boards per game last season.