Cleveland Cavaliers Secure Ohio Native with Two-Way Contract
The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured a notable signing by bringing Ohio native Chris Livingston onto their roster. The 22-year-old forward has agreed to a two-way contract, allowing him to play for both the Cavaliers and the Cleveland Charge in the NBA G League. This move reflects the Cavaliers’ commitment to nurturing local talent while adding depth to their roster.
Background and Development
Chris Livingston’s basketball journey began in Ohio, where he excelled at both Akron Buchtel and Hudson Western Reserve Academy. His impressive high school performance led him to the University of Kentucky, where he showcased his skills on a bigger stage. Drafted as the 58th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Livingston spent his first two professional seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Statistics and Performance
- Games played for Milwaukee Bucks: 42
- Career averages in Milwaukee: 1.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.2 assists
- Field goal percentage: 40.8%
- Three-point shooting percentage: 7.7%
Though these numbers may not be impressive, Livingston displayed significant improvement while playing for the G-League Wisconsin Herd. His statistics during that season were markedly better:
- Average points per game: 18.3
- Average rebounds per game: 8.6
- Average assists per game: 2.3
- Field goal percentage: 48%
Livingston’s agility and athleticism make him a promising candidate for development. The Cavaliers see potential in him as a bench contributor, especially given the team’s injury struggles.
Signing Details
The Cavaliers finalized their contract with Livingston after he was waived by the Bucks shortly before the 2023-2024 NBA season began. This move reflects a broader strategy by the Cavaliers to bolster their roster with talented players from Ohio.
Upcoming Challenges
Livingston’s debut with the Cavaliers comes as the team prepares for an important matchup in the NBA Cup Group Stage against the Toronto Raptors. The game is set to take place at Rocket Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. This signing not only strengthens the Cavaliers’ lineup but also brings a local player back home to contribute to his community.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Livingston integrates into the Cavaliers, potentially fulfilling a role that leverages his unique skill set and local roots.
