Shaun Livingston
The three-time NBA champion Shaun Livingston had two separate stints with the Washington Wizards. Signed as a free agent in the middle of the 2009-10 season and the beginning of the 2012-13 season, both of Livingston’s stints were short-lived. Both of those Wizards seasons were utter disappointments as they won less than 30 games. Livingston couldn’t do enough the change the Wizards’ fortunes.
At the time when he was a Wizard, Livingston was still trying to establish his career. After suffering a gruesome knee injury playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, his NBA career was in jeopardy. However, through perseverance and hard work, he was able to adapt his game despite losing some athleticism.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Wizards who reaped the benefits of his hard work. After he was waived by Washington in December 2012, he found a home with the Golden State Warriors. In his five seasons with Golden State, Livingston played a crucial role off the bench in three championships. A mid-range master and a solid defender, Livingston carved himself an important role in one of the most important dynasties of our generation.
In his 43 games with the Washington Wizards, however, Livingston averaged a meager 7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. In a long list of players who the Wizards failed to develop, Shaun Livingston would find himself a spot toward the top.