New Cavalier Shaun Livingston survived a gruesome injury to continue his NBA career.
WASHINGTON -- That Shaun Livingston is still in the NBA, much less the newest Cavalier, is the real story.
The Cavaliers picked up Livingston, 27, off waivers Tuesday, when the team waived guard Donald Sloan.
Livingston was the No. 4 pick in the draft by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004 after a standout prep career that included two state titles and a Mr. Basketball award at Peoria (Ill.) Central, but he is probably best known in the NBA for the gruesome knee injury he suffered when he landed awkwardly after a layup in a game against Charlotte on Feb. 26, 2007.
He tore three ligaments, along with his meniscus, and suffered a patella dislocation as well as a tibia/femoral dislocation when his left leg snapped laterally. Video of the injury is so horrific that ESPN warned viewers before showing it.
He missed the final 26 games of that season and the entire 2007-08 campaign before returning with Miami in 2008-09, followed by stints with Oklahoma City, Charlotte, Milwaukee and Washington (twice). The Wizards waived him earlier this week.
He knows his story provides encouragement to other players facing injuries.
"I hope so," he said before Wednesday's game at Verizon Center. "It's a testament to faith, hard work and perseverance more than anything, just knowing you can do anything you put your mind to. It was a tough thing to come back from, but I had a good supporting cast. Guys see an injury like mine, I can come back, so they should be able to come back."
For the time being, he will be the Cavs' third point guard behind Kyrie Irving and backup Jeremy Pargo.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," Livingston said, specifically mentioning Irving and coach Byron Scott. "I'm looking forward to it."
Asked what he brings, he said: "I hope just a steady hand, as far as advice goes. Not really getting shaken. Try to be steady, consistent as well, try to stay calm, go out there, focus on trying to get the job done."
Scott has long been a Livingston fan.
"I've always been very intrigued with Shaun," Scott said. "I've always liked him, especially at that point-guard position because of his size and his basketball IQ. He's a pass-first guy. We thought it would be good to give him a try.
"We know what type of player he was in high school. He's been around a little bit. He came out of high school and had some bad breaks over the years. It just seems like, the last couple years, he's really getting his act back together. I'm really intrigued with a 6-7 point guard who can pass the way he passes the ball and see the floor the way he sees the floor.
"It's a lot like Luke [Walton], another guy who just knows how to play."
Scott said releasing Sloan was tough.
"That's a very good, quality person," Scott said. "I know Donald will end up back on his feet."
Irving's apology
Irving admitted he was photographed with two women on his lap but said he didn't post it on Twitter on Tuesday and also said he was not married as he Tweeted an apology.
"It was a picture that got misconstrued," he said Wednesday. "I take full responsibility for the picture. Obviously, I'm in the picture. But it was just one of those things where somebody violates your privacy. Because of who you are and the position I'm in, obviously, they were looking for attention. That's basically what happened."
Irving pointed out that he isn't married as he Tweeted an apology. But he does have a girlfriend.