© Kelley L Cox | 2018 Jun 3
Shaun Livingston might only be 33 years old, but he’s been through more than most NBA players experience in his 15 NBA seasons. Most thought Livingston’s career would’ve been long over by this point, after he sustained one of the most gruesome knee injuries in NBA history during the 2007 season. But Livingston unexpectedly recovered, and experienced a career resurgence after signing with the Warriors in 2014, as a key bench player on three title teams.
Now Livingston is considering hanging things up at the end of the season, as revealed by a lengthy interview with Anthony Slater posted on The Athletic Wednesday. Only $2 million of Livingston’s $8 million next season are guaranteed, and due to luxury tax constraints, the Warriors are not expected to pick up the remaining $6 million. Livingston hasn’t made a decision yet, but told Slater what’s been going through his mind since training camp.
Via The Athletic
“It’s just all the signs on the wall. And just more so from a physical standpoint. If I’m healthy and having fun, then I want to play. But physically, if I’m not … Like, I put so much work in my body just to get back to playing basketball, let alone get to this point where I’m at.
“So now that it’s getting harder. Like this year, I’ve struggled with injuries more than any other year I’ve been on the Warriors.
“It’s more just for my knee. Rehab. Dealing with my knee. Just showing up to the game and my knee is, like, softball(-sized) swollen.”
Livingston has seen both a dip in minutes and production this season, averaging just 15.3 minutes and 4.1 points per game, both career lows with the Warriors.