Kentucky Basketball: Analyzing NBA Draft decisions of Oscar Tshiebwe and Antonio Reeves

Kentucky Basketball NBA Draft prospect – Chris Livingston

2022-23 season stats: 6.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg

The 6’6 forward entered this past season with a ton of hype as a top-15 incoming freshman. He started 26 games and was a consistent part of the rotation at over 22 mpg. But offensively, he was a clear afterthought on offense. Livingston had just seven double-digit scoring games, including 10 points and 15 rebounds against Florida.

The hope for Livingston is that he’s one of those better pro than college kind of players. He has great measurements and is highly athletic, while also rebounding at a high rate for someone his size. Considering that he was playing alongside the best college rebounder in the country in Tshiebwe, there’s plenty to like about Livingston as a pro prospect.

Right now, the freshman forward isn’t a projected top-45 pick, which is in the guaranteed range. Livingston didn’t participate in the 5-on-5 live scrimmages this past week but plans on partaking in some interviews and individual workouts. His process should come down to the wire but there are just two options available for him.

Unlike the other two, Livingston isn’t a grad transfer, and the portal deadline has come and passed. So it’s either the NBA or Kentucky. And if Tshiebwe comes back and a group of guards with expected higher usage than the past group, it’s hard to see how the forward’s role and usage will get much better. With the portal not being an option, it feels as if Livingston is ready for the pros.