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Golden State Warriors: Power ranking all 15 members of the 2018-19 roster

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Shaun Livingston
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Shaun Livingston /

Shaun Livingston

A reliable mid-range jump-shot mixed with his length on defense makes Livingston the ideal point guard off the bench these past four years.

The 13-year veteran was known for his gruesome leg injury in 2007 and considered never playing again. So when he made his comeback to the NBA, he was sure to make his shot count.

After bouncing around the league for years, he finally found his way to Golden State in 2014, fresh off being the starting PG for the Brooklyn Nets. Not only did he immediately embrace his bench role, but he provided a veteran presence to help lead the 2nd unit.

A solid backup point guard was something the Warriors had searched forever for since they decided to build around Curry. In the past, Nate Robinson, Steve Blake, and Jarrett Jack all left something to be desired from the backup PG role for the Warriors.

It turned out Livingston’s reliable shot, length to bother guards on defense, professionalism, and unselfishness were exactly what the Dubs were looking for.

His signature move is a lethal post-up turn-around jumper, the likes of which has destroyed plenty of unassuming backup point guards in the NBA.  At 6’7”, Livingston has a height advantage almost every night against the opposing team’s point guard.

If any guard is unlucky enough to step into his office in the post, Livingston will go to work right away.  He’ll use his size to post up, and once the ball is in his hands, he’ll spin around, elevate, and nail a silky smooth jumper.  With the height advantage, that shot is near unstoppable.

While his comeback from the horrific leg injury at the start of his career already makes his story incredible, he’ll only get older at 33.  Many believe it’s only a matter of time before the Warriors have to move on and give a new, younger guard the chance to be Curry’s every-night backup.

Despite what others are saying, Livingston continues to play well as the missing puzzle piece the Warriors were searching so long for.

And while often times the credit will go to the four All-Stars when talking about how the Warriors got this far, it’s Livingston who’s been in the background all along.

Still making his shot count. -CF

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