The NBA-career of Shaun Livingston has been given a second chance by Miami Heat. Livingston has taken his first prominent step to stage a comeback from a grave injury that affected his left knee about 19 months back. Livingstone, who is a free agent point guard, has signed a 2-year contract with the Heat. As a matter of fact, many other teams like Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota and Portland had displayed interest in him, after he was okayed for basketball activity in the previous spring.

Remarks

Recently, Livingston was present during the practice session of the Heat. In the coming week, he is supposed to travel to Europe with the team for preseason games. However, it is not known when he would be set for actual game action. Livingston revealed “I’m excited to play, excited to be here in Miami and really show what I bring to the table when healthy.” His agent Henry Thomas remarked “It came down to Miami and Minnesota. And he was more comfortable there.” Erik Spoelstra, the Heat coach, commented “He has great size and feel for the game at his position. I’ve followed him for a few years. It’s unfortunate, really, what happened, but we’d normally never be able to get a player of his talent at this time. He’s very committed to getting healthy and we have a great staff to help him get there.” Dwyane Wade, the Heat guard, said “I think a lot of people will be surprised by how good he looks because of the injury he had. Of course we all know he still has ways to go. But I think for the future I think it’s going to be good. Give him time to get back in shape and time to get healthy and you’ve got a 6-7 point guard for the future at a very young age. Shaun is 23 years old so he’s still very young. And a 6-7 point guard, you don’t really see too many nowadays. I think for the future of Miami, that’s a good start.”

His past

Livingston has the experience of playing some parts of the season with the Clippers where his statistics are 7.4 points and 4.8 assists per game. On 26th February 2007, when the injury happened, he got hold of a loose ball close to midcourt, dribbled it thrice and while proceeding for a layup attempt had his left knee cut on the landing. He tore three knee ligaments and dislocated his kneecap. Livingston has avoided viewing the video of how the injury took place and has no intention of doing so in the future. He said “I’m not focusing on the past. I’m just really looking forward. No mental image in my mind should really derail me.”

Competitors

The Miami Heat has some point guards who are competing to attain the starting spot. Amongst these, Chris Quinn is ahead of the others. The other two are Marcus Banks and Mario Chalmers, who were brought to Miami in the previous year from Phoenix during the trade of Shaquille O’Neal.