Big Expectations for Livingston

The Clippers’ Shaun Livingston, a 6-foot-6 1/4 ballhandling wizard, is fresh out of high school and hasn’t played an NBA game. But on Wednesday, meeting with local reporters for the first time since the Clippers made him the fourth pick in the NBA draft, he was already being compared to Magic Johnson.

“Legitimate guys his size that are true point guards do not come along very often,” Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Just think to yourself, ‘When was the last time a guy came along that way?’ I don’t know anybody in between [Johnson and Livingston]. I’m not trying to put that kind of pressure on him, but there are some great advantages of being that size.”

If there’s anyone who can make the link between the two players, it’s Dunleavy. Not only did Dunleavy coach Johnson with the Lakers in 1990-91, he also faced the Hall of Famer as a player for several NBA seasons.

In Livingston, Dunleavy sees a lot of similarities.

“His floor game is spectacular,” Dunleavy said. “He’s got great vision to make plays, and he’s the type of player that doesn’t have to make shots to be a major impact player. For a young player, he already has a nice post-up game with great length, and he shoots the ball better than I thought he would when I worked him out.”

Livingston is the first true point guard to make the jump directly from high school to lottery pick, and the Clippers say he has the maturity and floor leadership to be an NBA standout.

“My way is to try and remain calm and poised,” said Livingston, whose wingspan measured 6-11 at the pre-draft camp in Chicago. “That’s just the manner that I try to take. I take pride in going in there and making things happen by being creative and running the show.”

Livingston’s ability has never been questioned. It’s his hunger to work to get better that has the Clippers excited.

Since completing his senior season at Peoria Central High, Livingston has added strength to his 185-pound frame, while also improving his perimeter game. He has been working out in Chicago with respected trainer Tim Grover, who also works with fellow Clippers Corey Maggette, Quentin Richardson, Elton Brand, Bobby Simmons and Chris Kaman.

“There’s always going to be doubts at first, because your confidence is not at a high level just because you haven’t played a game,” Livingston said.

“But I know that I have to be as confident as possible joining the Clippers. I know with the support that I will have with the organization, I’ll be making the transition as smooth as possible.”

General Manager Elgin Baylor does not expect the transition to be difficult.

“Shaun is a point guard.... “ said Baylor, who will not have Livingston participate in the Long Beach Summer Pro League, because of a minor foot injury. “Pure point guards are born. I don’t think you can make anyone into a pure point guard. Shaun has the skills and the intelligence to be a great one.”

“When you saw Magic when he was in high school, he was able to make the fantastic plays with his passing, just like Shaun. Magic was also slim back then, which is very similar to what this kid looks like.”