Shaun Livingston making progress

[Andrew]

Shaun Livingston resumes basketball-related activities

After nearly a year and a half of rehabilitation, Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston has been medically cleared for basketball-related activities.

Livingston, 22, has played two games of one-on-one this past week and his seriously injured left knee has improved to the point where is now dunking. The odds of him being cleared to play in the Las Vegas summer league, however, remain small.

Sounds a bit more promising than it did a year ago. For those who don't remember, his injury last season was pretty horrific.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbU6wNopouw&feature=related[/youtube]

[Jing]

He's still only 22? Man feels like he's been in the league forever.

[Andrew]

He did come out of high school though.

[Jing]

Yeah, you're right, and he's been injured often, so always in the news. Already in his short career he's achieved one of the worst injuries in the game.

[Oskar]

I'm surprised as well about him being just 22. It makes me feel good though, I like him and I hope he'll do good next season. I hope the Clippers keep him, though.

[Emiliano]

I wonder how he is doing psychologically. I mean after such a horrific injury, most athletes would be scared to be as aggressive or do any kind of awkward movement.

[shadowgrin]

Right knee, right shoulder, back, then left knee.

As much I want him to do good in his career I don't think he can continue anymore to the level some expect him to reach. He already has two bum knees and other injuries throughout his young career.

[galvatron3000]

He's a bench player most likely, at best, he's too injury prone. I wish him the best but at such a young age to have these kind of injury problems, doesn't look good. He seems quite fragile just based on the video of that knee injury, my first time seeing it.Some guys are just injury prone and it doesn't sit well with executes.

[Patr1ck]

This kid needs some conditioning and coordination. Why he attempted to land in such an awkward way boggles the mind. I mean you try to land in a stop after going full speed for a layup. You just don't do that. Anyways, I hope he has used the time to improve his conditioning, not just rehabilitate.

[Fitzy]

lets hope he makes a good recovery, if the clippers move brand and maggette on he could be a key player next season

[GoHornets]

I didn't see him playing yet, so I have to ask:
Is Livingston that good? Because I noticed that a lot of importance has been given to his injury.

[Dan's Brain]

He was more potential than anything before his injuries. A 6'7 point guard, with good athleticism and a not bad handle.

The reason his injury received a lot of attention was because of the severity of it. Watch videos of it, and you'll realise. It's pretty sickening.

[skip2mahbaby]

Yep, he's a tough cover for most guards at 6'7...But yeah, he's got potential. But that is all. He hasn't shown it yet, well one reason is because of his injuries..

Good luck with him, though, it's tough to come out and play again with that kind of injury...

[kinokong]

i think the reason he gets injured a lot is becuz he's too lanky.... he needs to fatten up a bit.....

[Alejandrov011]

I agree with kino, he is too thin! he need to bulk a bit of muscle... or follow the eddy curry's diet xD

[Andrew]

The knee injury could just as easily be a freak inury though, similar to Tony Allen blowing out his knee attempting a dunk after the whistle in a game last season.

Is Livingston that good? Because I noticed that a lot of importance has been given to his injury.

I wouldn't say he's a scrub but as others have said he's identified as having a lot of potential rather than a bonafide star in the making. The severity of his injury and the possibility that it could end his career before it really gets started is probably the main reason it's getting so much attention.

[hova-]

Nice to see him being able to play basketball again. He is definitely gifted but as Andrew said he never really showed off his potential.
For me personally I like those big guys who can or do play the point. Like Magic was and like LeBron is and Livingston is such a type of player, too.

But although I have never experienced any injury like this I think the psychological thing is tough. To be aggressive but also to know what can happen if you come down akwardly after an layup attempt.

I just know when I roll my ankle, I stop playing aggressive because it always feels like it could happen again. I hope you know what I mean ..

[Impakt]

I have read Clippers aren't looking to resign him, hopefully a team is game enough and gives him a second chance.

But this is starting to like Jay Williams v2.0

[Modifly]

I remember watching that game live..

I was pretty much like for a big while.

That injury was one of the worst I've seen, so I hope he recovers well.
I even remembered sending him a "get well soon" e-mail via NBA.com

He has a chance to recover though, much like when Tony Allen had that severe blow and he recovered.

[Andrew]

Allen's injury wasn't nearly as severe though, but I hope Livingston is also able to recover and resume his career, be it with the Clippers or someone else. I'm not a fan as such but I hate seeing a player's career over before it really begins. It's always a shame when an athlete can't leave the sport they're passionate about on their own terms, particularly when they're as young as Livingston.

[Patr1ck]

I have read Clippers aren't looking to resign him

Got a source on this? I would like to read it.

[Dan's Brain]

It's always a shame when an athlete can't leave the sport they're passionate about on their own terms, particularly when they're as young as Livingston.

I'm reminded of the "career" of Jonathan Bender in Livingston's situation. Two guys drafted in the top 5 straight out of high school. Both with career-threatening injuries, and neither with any college to fall back on.

There's the argument against drafting high school players.

[dansensei]

i hope he would return next season because he could give a lot of help to his team.
maybe their team will even make the playoffs, with thornton in their lineup.

[Andrew]

I'm reminded of the "career" of Jonathan Bender in Livingston's situation. Two guys drafted in the top 5 straight out of high school. Both with career-threatening injuries, and neither with any college to fall back on.

There's the argument against drafting high school players.

It depends how smart they've been with their money. Also, there's nothing preventing them from pursuing further education if they want to make a new career.