Which non-NBA player do you most want to see in the League?
Randy Livingston (photo. NBDL)With so many NBA teams grasping at straws to solidify the point guard position — the Heat, Knicks, Warriors and Wizards immediately come to mind — normally I’d be left wondering why no one’s even considering giving Randy Livingston a shot. While preseason uncertainty makes for unproven names like Anthony Roberson, Dee Brown and Marcus Banks being thrown around, not even a tryout is mentioned in regards to Livingston, a 33-year-old veteran of over 200 NBA games with nine different teams and typically a lock to get at least a 10-day contract or two during the regular season.
I’m not saying Livingston would be anybody’s savior or that he’s starting material in the NBA, but for someone who fits the job description of a veteran backup PG almost perfectly — passing, protecting the ball, floor leadership, high basketball IQ, a positive locker-room influence, plus a wealth of experience — and who isn’t more than a domestic flight away, it’s remarkable how you never hear his name come up in the preseason.
I do admit I have a bias toward Livingston, who was the subject of one of my favorite and best-received Dime stories (Issue 32) and a genuinely good person who has the right perspective on basketball and its place in his life, but I’m not alone in thinking he’s long deserved a chance to succeed in the League. Before the ’07-08 season, when the Celtics were still unsure of their point guard situation with Rajon Rondo, Gabe Pruitt and Eddie House (at the time, some people thought Pruitt would actually be the Opening Night starter), one of the Boston fans in the Dime office repeatedly wondered aloud why Randy Livingston wasn’t at least brought in for an audition.
We all have players like that, personal faves toiling in the D-League, overseas, with AND 1 or on the playground who we’d like to see get a legit shot in the NBA before it’s too late — like the vocal pair of Syracuse fans at Dime who never let you forget that Gerry McNamara deserves an NBA job. Unfortunately, unless one team’s front office gets very proactive, it is too late for Livingston: he retired from pro ball last spring after leading the Idaho Stampede to the D-League ‘chip.
Which non-NBA player do you most want to see get a fair shot in the League?
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September 23rd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
that's whats up says:
latrell sprewell
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
MoxWestCoastRep says:
I liked Pittsnogle @ WV, I thought he could be like a Memo Okur.
I also wanted to see Mcnamara make it cause he’s just as good as Reddick imo
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Andy G says:
Khalid El-Amin
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
ERIC says:
JAMES FLIGHT WHITE
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
bballinca says:
Didn’t Pittsnogle get drafted but never panned out?
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
bballinca says:
Wasn’t James White on the Spurs? Is he not in the league anymore. Beyond athletecism what does he bring to the table?
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Sam I Am says:
LOL @ Sprewell comment
Man I would have to go with Jay Williams…
I wish I could see if he still has it enough to run,
Maybe also Penny, but I know he’s had his chances, tho last year he got dealt a rough hand man
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
MSkittle says:
Horace Jenkins, Andrew Wisniewski, Dajuan Wagner
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Celts Fan says:
Fran Vasquez! hahahahahaha Coulda been Danny Granger (and saved them a $125M 3rd option!)
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
James says:
Pittsnogle didnt get drafted but last time I checked he was lacing them up in the D-League. I want to see my man Eric Wallace from wake forest in the league- dude was a beast in Winston-Salem
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Mike says:
Paul Shirley
At least his book was entertaining.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Sam I Am says:
Man I wish I could see me in the league…
I aint all that but I try ya know…
I’m like a solid 17 % from the line and can rebound when I’m the tallest one out there
I’m worth at LEAST a 2 game contract
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
barons beard says:
John Amaechi
Seriously thuugh, Jaunny Wags or Jay Williams
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Michorizo says:
What about that point guard from the Russian team? I forget his name.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Detroit Dave says:
Rashard Phillips from U of D Mercy back in 98
Scoonie Penn
Micheal Ray Richarson (throwback)
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Matt Moore says:
Rod Benson
Carlos Powell
Chris Alexander-made camp
Blake Ahearn-made camp
Julius Hodge
Justin Bowen
Andre Barrett
Earl Calloway
Will Conroy
Corey Violette.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
MoxWestCoastRep says:
…
Doc
Anderson Hunt
And Jimmy King
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Franchise Baller says:
Jahidi white
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Pskila says:
After that knee injury, Livingston was down for the count. When he was at LSU he was cold blooded. I guess the NBA really needs to shake the tree with the scrubs that are currently playing. Arggggggggggghhhhh!!!!…This is going to be one long season. I guess it will be repeat of last season for the exception of the Miami Heat; they ready are going to make some moves in the weak as water Eastern Conference.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
justice says:
Andre Barrett
Dajuar Wagner
Omar Cook
Jay Williams
Dennis Rodman
Charles Oakley
Darnell Williams (xavier)
Shammond Williams
Ed Cota
Kenny Satterfield
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Dennis Castro says:
Lynn Greer. He’s been killing it in Greece for a few years now…
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
D A says:
VLADE DIVAC. G.O.A.T. I’ll wait for the hate mail to pour in…
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
snoop_robb says:
Michorizo, u mean J.R Holden.. yeh he could get a run.
Corey Williams baby!
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
D A says:
Ryan Bell NEEDS IN. GO RAVENS!
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
NYCBalla says:
Dee Brown! Dude is dope, if only he were a couple inches taller.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
John Amaechi says:
If only Kyle Korver could have played for Utah when I was there. I love his “game”…..tee..hee…
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
goonther says:
damn right gerry mcnamara needs in – ‘CUSE represent
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
the baconator says:
Oh, I’d prolly have to say Dre Baldwin. http://www.dreallday.com baby! Haha, also Gerry McNamara. I was so pissed when he was undrafted, especially cuz Chris Quinn’s in the league
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
original2k9 says:
ALIMOE from and1 even tho he is getting too old
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Quest??? says:
Larry Ayuso and Carlos Arroyo
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
rootsradical says:
i always thought that if anyone would get a shot in the league from and1 other than skip it would be ALIMOE. he’s got height, killer mid range jumper and sick, sick handles.
i always loved GOD SHAMMGOD.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:33 pm
lukepo says:
denham brown and rashad anderson
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
control says:
The pic displayed in the article makes Randy (BoBandi) look like Palin’s downie kid.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
kennypayne says:
booger smith !!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Andy says:
some of the names mentioned, such as JR Holden, would actually take a pay cut if them came to the NBA.
Lynn Greer actually opted out of his contract with the
Bucks in order to go back to Europe.
Ibrahim Jaaber and Quinton Hosley both played very well in Europe last season
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
lakeshow85 says:
whatever happened to mike gansey?
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Habitual Line-Stepper says:
@ kenny payne
i feel u on the booger reference. can’t a player in the L guard him.
i’d also like to see kyle watson/ duane martin in the L.
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Kudabeen says:
Dujuan Wagner, Lynn Greer, Alex Acker, Shawn Kemp, Serge Ibaka (next Kemp? Think he is being sent overseas), and the Charlotte Bobcats…
Also the old Jason Williams, the one who was serving up dump off passes on the break off his elbow…
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Diego says:
Never nervous Taurean Green who led the Gators to back-to-back titles needs a fair shake, which he didn’t quite get last year. (I understand he has signed with a team in Spain.)
I think Lee Humphrey deserves a real look too.
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
The saint says:
Alimoe,homicide…….monta ellis
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
any of the and1 ballers from 2002.
not the 2007-2008 version. them dudes suck and they the reason the mix tape tour aint ish now.
and take out the entire rosters of ny knicks, grizz, nets and thunder
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Marlo Stanfield says:
I gotta go with Mike “King of NY” Campbell.
The dude is a pro scorer. No one can stop him from getting a dub. No one.
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Luke says:
How about God Shammgod? or Corey “Homicide” Williams? Or, if we go way back, Earl “The Goat” Manigault?
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
A-Slam says:
since i’m Canadian I would have liked to see Denham Brown pan out
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
JDig says:
Dajuan “The Messiah” Wagner. Grew up going to his HS games @ Camden. Dominated game no matter who he was up against. Took down State powers St. Ants and St. Pats in HS.. INCREDIBLE. STILL pulling for you Juany
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Matt says:
Lenny Cooke
Corey “Homicide” Williams
Kenny Satterfield
Mike Gansey
Troy Bell
Ed Cota
Joe Forte
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
JDig says:
After seeing the Lynn Greer comments i Youtubed him… how bad of a show is this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5lPOICOhdY... Moe Williams has quite a personality
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Homeless J says:
Demetrius “Hook” Mitchell. put him on a team, give them a preseason reality show on HBO like the Dallas Cowboys got.
Corey Homicide Williams should be on a team by now. he’s down to earth, connects with his fans, has skill, athleticism, he’s old enough to know what he’s doing but not so old that you’re afraid he’s gonna tear a hamstring getting back on D. I hope he sticks to a team soon.
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Hot Sauce
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
G-man says:
Mike Gansey definitly
hes a straight baller
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
kobeef says:
- Dajuan – I was excited to see him in the league
- Rodney White – was a guy who I thought had a nice game
- Eddie Griffin (RIP)
Doc!
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:15 pm
jimmhumm says:
Tamar Slay reppin West Virginia hard.
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
ZACH says:
Drew Neitzel- no questions asked.
Dude’s like 5’10″ but has a heart the size of Eddy Curry’s stomach. If Linsdey Hunter doesn’t come back this year I think it would be great for him to get a shot with the Pistons. I’m not saying he’s gonna be an allstar but if you wanna see someone leave it all on the court check him out.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Ashlov says:
Dino Radja
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Justin Solomon says:
Fred House in my mind is the hardest working most deserving player that deserves a shot in the L. He was the main player covered in the ESPN’s “Life in the D-League” program and was the NBDL’s inaugural rookie of the year with the North Charleston Lowgators. I had the opportunity to meet Fred when he played for the Adirondak Wildcats of the USBL. He was putting it down with a sweet J and hustling for every ball. The farthest he ever made it in the NBA was a training camp invite with the Hawks where he was given a shout out by Big Dog Robinson, at the time this could have been worth something. As a hard worker with a decent shot and great athletic ability, Fred House deserves to be someone’s 12th man. At this point in his career it is doubtful, but I figured he deserves some love in this post.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Foges says:
Chris Anstey
September 24th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Marco says:
Usain Bolt!!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 10:09 am
chiaki says:
Lenny Cooke
G-Mac
Jay Williams
Kevin Pittsnogle
September 24th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Strings says:
Charles Lee – led bucknell to a couple dance upsets.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
gmoneykidd says:
Aj Graves anyone?
September 25th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Mike says:
Barack Obama!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Mike says:
How about J.J. Riddick? That guy used to be pretty good in college. It is too bad he hasn’t been given a shot to make an NBA roster.
Wait, you’re telling me he is on the Magic’s roster? I have a tough time believing that. I live 30 minutes away from Orlando and have never seen him play.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Derik says:
Lenny Cooke
Sun Ming Ming
Romel Beck(AKA Kobe’s Ankle Breaker)
November 21st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Danno says:
Mateen Cleaves
Erik Barkley
Eric Montross
Manut Bol
Larry Bird
December 17th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
wiz says:
DARYLL “SHOWTIME” HILL & STEVE BURT JR. 2 OF NEW YORKS MOST UNDERATTED– T2 PLEASE GIVE UP SOME PAPER AND PLAY IN THE LEAGUE NEXT YEAR. THOSE 3 WOULD HAVE THE KNICKS LOOKING CRAZY AND WINNING IN THAT D’ANTONI SYSTEM. GOT BUSY AT HIGH D1 SCHOOLS, KILL ON THE SUMMERBALL SCENE, N.B.A. ??????
January 15th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Ty says:
Daryll Showtime Hill, is very underated and overlooked. But it wont be long, he will come back to haunt alot of teams sooner than you think. Keep your eyes on him folks cause you heard it here first.
March 30th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
AussieBaller says:
Corey Homicide Williams
All day
April 21st, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Jovon says:
Julius “Bo” Jenkins who won MVP over seas in the euroleague in germany. Dude is sick, has amazing hops and doesn’t miss.