Shaun Livingston is a living example of perseverance. His 2007 injury was so severe that it took months for him to walk again. Livingston recalled his brother reciting Bible verses to fill him with positive energy. Years after the incident that took place on February 26, 2007, the NBA star recounted the experience and what kept him going. 

Many fans who were left deeply shocked surely remember how Livingston missed a layup and landed the wrong way on his leg and injured it. At the time, he was still playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. His injury was so serious that doctors even considered amputating his leg. Luckily, it didn’t come to that.

He was advised to rest for 6-8 months, longer than the usual 4-5 months required for most injuries. He nearly fell into depression. Comparing his injury to a car accident, Livingston recalled his fears about nerve damage, the possibility of amputation, and the uncertainty of whether he would ever play basketball again.

“Like a car accident like it was real trauma, you know. My leg all this, you know, discombobulated and disfigured so once the doctors actually told me and it’s really like sinking in that we never dealt with an injury like this. We don’t know what your timetable is going to be, we don’t know what kind of, you know, how long it’s going to be. It could be eight months, it could be two years,” Livingston said on the Knuckleheads Podcast. 

He recalled how he remained dedicated throughout the rehabilitation process while his brother kept his morale up. The Golden State Warriors star urged the younger generation of players to be more mindful of their time, emphasizing how a single moment can be life-altering.

The veteran advised them to take their careers seriously from the very beginning. There’s a reason why he suggests this for the young players. 

Shaun Livingston was asked to be careful even in his sleep

It took years after the devastating injury for him to find his pace again. The NBA legend shared the details of the strict rehabilitation process he had to endure. He even had to be careful in his sleep, using multiple pillows to support his leg.

“I sleep on my side, I had to sleep with at least four pillows…Then, those two weeks after the surgery, staples in your knee, you can’t sleep. You are on all this medication,” Livingston said.

After sitting out for almost two years, he joined the Miami Heat. Finally, in 2014, he found the right fit with the Warriors, where he became a crucial part of the team’s championship success. He won three championship titles in 2015, 2017, and 2018. 

Struggling with one of the cruelest injuries in NBA history, he made one of the most inspiring comebacks, motivating countless others.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.