Chris Livingston

Christopher Michael Livingston is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, under a two-way contract with the Cleveland Charge. Born in Akron, Ohio, Livingston emerged as a basketball prodigy from a young age and played high school basketball at various institutions, culminating in his college career at Kentucky. He was selected as the 58th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, reflecting his potential as one of the top players in his class.
Full Name :
Christopher Michael Livingston
Date of Birth :
15 October 2003
Place of Birth :
Akron, Ohio, USA
Nationality :
United States
Height (CM) :
198
Weight (KG) :
100
Education :
Buchtel (Akron, Ohio) (High School), Western Reserve Academy (Hudson, Ohio) (High School), Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia) (High School), Kentucky (College)
Career Started :
2023
Notable Achievements :
NBA Cup champion (2024), SEC All-Freshman Team (2023), McDonald's All-American (2022), FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship MVP (2019)
Current Team :
Previous Team :
Wisconsin Herd (From 2023, To 2025)
Contract :
Contract Year 2025 to 2026
Drafted Year :
2023
Drafted By :
Milwaukee Bucks

Christopher Michael Livingston Bio

Christopher Michael Livingston is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League. Born on October 15, 2003, in Akron, Ohio, Livingston developed his game in the same region that produced NBA legend LeBron James. He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before entering the 2023 NBA Draft, where the Milwaukee Bucks selected him with the 58th overall pick. Throughout his professional career, Livingston has split time between NBA rosters and G League assignments, developing his craft while seeking regular playing opportunities.

Early Life and Background

Livingston began playing competitive basketball at age five in Akron, Ohio. His talent emerged early, and by the time he reached high school, he was already drawing attention as one of the most promising prospects in the country. His athletic ability and basketball instincts set him apart from his peers, laying the foundation for what would become a decorated amateur career.

Growing up in Akron provided Livingston with access to strong basketball programs and competitive play. He honed his skills through local leagues and AAU competition, steadily developing into a highly-ranked recruit. His family supported his ambitions throughout his journey, and his dedication to the sport became evident through his relentless work ethic and improvement year after year.

Path to Basketball

Livingston attended Buchtel Community Learning Center in Akron for his freshman year, where he made an immediate impact. He averaged 24.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, leading his team to its first state final four appearance since 1997. He became the highest-scoring freshman in school history, showcasing the talent that would define his high school career. For his sophomore season, he transferred to Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, where he continued to dominate. In one memorable game, he recorded 50 points, 20 rebounds, eight steals, and five blocks, demonstrating his all-around ability.

As a consensus five-star recruit, Livingston attracted scholarship offers from major college programs before entering high school. Ohio State offered him a scholarship when he was just 14 years old, highlighting the early recognition of his potential. He ultimately chose to continue his development at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, for his senior season, joining one of the most prestigious high school basketball programs in the country. His collegiate recruitment generated significant attention, with Kentucky, Georgetown, and Tennessee State among his final options.

On September 15, 2021, Livingston committed to playing college basketball for Kentucky over his other offers. The decision placed him at one of the nation’s premier basketball programs, setting the stage for the next phase of his career. As a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2022 class, he arrived in Lexington with high expectations from fans and analysts alike.

Christopher Michael Livingston Career

College Career (2022–2023)

Livingston played one season for the Kentucky Wildcats during the 2022–2023 campaign. He appeared in 34 games and made 26 starts, averaging 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game. His performance throughout the season demonstrated his ability to compete at the collegiate level, though his offensive production remained inconsistent at times. Despite the challenges of adapting to the speed and physicality of college basketball, he showed flashes of his potential as a versatile forward capable of contributing in multiple areas.

His efforts earned recognition from the Southeastern Conference, as he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. The honor reflected his status as one of the top first-year players in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences. Following the season, Livingston declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, closing the chapter on his amateur career with significant accomplishments to his name.

Milwaukee Bucks Era (2023–2025)

Livingston was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 58th and final pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The selection on draft night marked the culmination of years of development and sacrifice, though he faced the challenge of being the last player selected in a deep draft class. He signed his contract with the Bucks on July 9, 2023, officially beginning his professional career. Throughout his rookie and sophomore seasons, he was frequently assigned to the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League, where he sought to develop his game and earn sustained NBA minutes.

During the 2024–2025 NBA season, Livingston appeared in 21 games for Milwaukee, averaging 1.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per contest. His playing time remained limited as he worked to find his footing at the professional level. The Bucks organization provided him opportunities to grow, but the transition from college to the NBA proved challenging for a player selected late in the draft. He was waived by the Bucks on July 2, 2025, but quickly re-signed with the team on July 16, 2025. However, his second stint in Milwaukee was short-lived, as the Bucks waived him again on October 16, 2025.

Cleveland Cavaliers and G League (2025–Present)

Following his second waiver from the Bucks, Livingston signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 31, 2025. The move brought him closer to his Ohio roots and offered an opportunity to prove himself with a new organization. He made three appearances for the Cavaliers, averaging 3.0 points, 1.0 rebound, and 0.3 assists per game. His brief stint with Cleveland showed glimpses of his potential, but he sustained a hand injury that required surgery and kept him inactive for several weeks.

On January 27, 2026, Livingston was waived by the Cavaliers as he continued his recovery from the injury. He later joined the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League, continuing his professional journey while working toward an NBA roster spot. The G League assignment represents an opportunity for Livingston to accumulate valuable playing time and demonstrate the skills that made him a highly-touted prospect earlier in his career.

Driving Style and Strengths

Livingston’s game is built around his versatility and athleticism at the small forward position. Standing 6 feet 6 inches with a strong frame, he possesses the physical tools to guard multiple positions and attack the basket with authority. His scoring ability, court vision, and defensive instincts form the foundation of his skill set. While his NBA career has featured limited minutes, his G League performances have showcased his potential as an all-around contributor capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Livingston’s career highlights, winning the NBA Cup championship in 2024 stands out as his most significant professional achievement to date. The championship represented a memorable moment during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks organization. Earlier in his career, his MVP performance at the 2019 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship demonstrated his ability to perform on the international stage, recording 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists in the gold medal game against Canada.

Christopher Michael Livingston Career Wins

Throughout his basketball career, Livingston has accumulated several notable achievements at the high school, college, and professional levels. His success began well before his NBA debut, as he established himself as one of the top prospects in his recruiting class through exceptional high school performances and international competition.

Professional Highlights

Livingston’s most significant professional achievement came in 2024 when he was part of the Milwaukee Bucks team that won the NBA Cup championship. While his role was limited, being part of a championship team provided valuable experience and credibility as he continued his professional development. The achievement added to his resume as he worked toward establishing himself as a consistent NBA contributor.

Amateur and College Highlights

Before turning professional, Livingston earned recognition as a McDonald’s All-American in 2022, cementing his status as one of the top high school players in the country. His performance at the 2019 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship, where he earned MVP honors while leading Team USA to a gold medal, represented an early highlight of his career. At Kentucky, his SEC All-Freshman Team selection in 2023 demonstrated his ability to compete at the collegiate level against some of the nation’s best players.

Christopher Michael Livingston Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Livingston has a twin brother named Cordell, who has been his teammate throughout their basketball careers. The brothers played together at multiple high schools, including Oak Hill Academy, Buchtel, and Western Reserve Academy. Their shared journey through basketball has created a unique bond, with each supporting the other’s development throughout their amateur years. The twin connection has been a consistent theme in Livingston’s story, as they navigated the challenges of being elite basketball players together.

Personal Life

Livingston maintains connections to his Ohio roots despite his professional travels. His upbringing in Akron exposed him to a rich basketball culture that has produced numerous professional players. As he continues his career in professional basketball, he draws upon the values and work ethic instilled during his formative years. His focus remains on developing his game and earning a consistent role at the NBA level.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a significant transition period in Livingston’s professional career. After spending his first two seasons primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks organization and their G League affiliate, he found himself navigating roster changes and seeking stability. His July 2025 waiver from the Bucks marked an unexpected turn, though his quick re-signing demonstrated the organization’s continued interest in his potential.

Following his second waiver in October 2025, Livingston joined the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-way contract. The move to Cleveland provided a fresh start and the opportunity to play closer to home. His brief appearances with the Cavaliers showed promise, but the hand injury he sustained derailed his momentum and ultimately led to his release in January 2026. The injury created a setback during a critical period of his development.

Looking ahead, Livingston’s assignment to the Capital City Go-Go offers an opportunity to rebuild and showcase his abilities in the G League. The path forward requires patience and consistent performance to earn another NBA opportunity. His combination of youth, athleticism, and versatility suggests he has the tools to eventually secure a more stable role at the professional level.