Isaiah Livers won’t have to go far as he begins his journey to the NBA. The Kalamazoo native and former University of Michigan Wolverine was drafted with the 42nd pick by the Detroit Pistons.
Livers shot 43% from 3 and 87% from the free-throw line. He has solid size for a forward, but might be caught between positions in the pro game. He doesn’t quite have the size to be a full-time power forward, and doesn’t have the lateral quickness to keep up with springy small forwards.
Still, he’s a knockdown shooter as a catch-and-shoot option, and he could find some minutes in Detroit if they’re looking for a shooting option to surround Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes and Jerami Grant.
Another concern for Livers is he’s very much a stand-still player. He doesn’t get to the line much, and he only shot 48% at the rim, which is a major red flag on being able to make it in the pros.
Still, for Livers it’s all about his ability to shoot the rock. With a quick, simple, repeatable shot, he should be able to find success converting looks created for him by others. Even if he doesn’t do anything else, that has some value. And if he can put his injuries behind him and start to build strength, he could find himself as a dangerous forward in the NBA.