Isaiah Livers

Isaiah Livers
Livers for the 2019–20 Michigan Wolverines
Free agent
PositionPower forward / small forward
Personal information
Born (1998-07-28) July 28, 1998 (age 26)
Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight232 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High schoolKalamazoo Central
(Kalamazoo, Michigan)
CollegeMichigan (2017–2021)
NBA draft2021: 2nd round, 42nd overall pick
Selected by the Detroit Pistons
Playing career2021–present
Career history
2021–2024Detroit Pistons
2021–2022→Motor City Cruise
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Isaiah Maurice Livers (/ˈlɪvərz/ LIH-vərz;[1] born July 28, 1998) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines. He attended Kalamazoo Central High School where he won the Mr. Basketball of Michigan. He was part of the 2017–18 team that won the 2018 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament and reached the championship game of the 2018 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

Early life

[edit]

Livers was born on July 28, 1998, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Angela and Morris Livers.[2] He started playing basketball at the age of five with his father in the driveway.[3] Michigan began recruiting Livers in May 2016 and he made his official visit on July 28, earning an offer.[4] At the end of his recruitment, he was considering visiting Cal, but decided to cancel the visit and commit to Michigan.[5] On August 7, 2016, Livers committed to Michigan over contenders Michigan State, Butler, Minnesota, California, and Boston College.[6][7] Livers signed his National Letter of Intent to Michigan as part of a three-scholarship player incoming class with Jordan Poole and Eli Brooks.[8]

He was named 2017 Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball of Michigan.[9] Livers edged out second-place finisher Xavier Tillman by a 2,811–2,739 vote margin, although Tillman received three more first-place ballots.[10] It was the closest vote in Mr. Basketball of Michigan history.[10] Livers was Michigan's 11th Mr. Basketball of Michigan, but the first since Manny Harris in 2007.[11]

College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Isaiah Livers
PF 		Kalamazoo, MI Kalamazoo Central (MI) 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 210 lb (95 kg) Aug 7, 2016 
Star ratings: Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 68, 14 (PF)   Rivals: 86  ESPN: 41 (PF), 14 (CA)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Michigan 2017 Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  • "2017 Michigan Basketball Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  • "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  • "2017 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved April 5, 2017.

College career

[edit]

Freshman season (2017–2018)

[edit]
Livers for the 2017–18 Michigan Wolverines

On January 2, 2018, Michigan defeated Iowa 75–68 with Livers contributing a career-best 13 points,[12][13] which was considered a breakout performance.[14] It was the first of three consecutive double-digit efforts off the bench for Livers.[15] This resulted in Livers replacing Duncan Robinson in the starting lineup for Michigan when they faced Michigan State in their rivalry game on January 13.[16][17] Michigan defeated the fourth-ranked Spartans for their first victory on the road against a top-five ranked team since January 25, 2014,[18][19] ushering their way into the 2017–18 basketball rankings.[20] Livers rolled his ankle in the second minute of the game against Northwestern on February 6 sidelining him for the rest of the game, which Michigan went on to lose.[21] He missed the next game against Wisconsin before returning to the starting lineup on February 14 against Iowa.[22][23] The team lost in the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game to second-ranked Villanova.[24][25]

Sophomore season (2018–2019)

[edit]
Livers for the 2018–19 Wolverines

On January 13, the 2018–19 Wolverines team defeated Northwestern to establish a school record for best start at 17–0 and tied the school's record 17-game win streak.[26][27] On February 28, 2019, Michigan defeated Nebraska 82–53. Livers made his first start of the season, replacing an injured Charles Matthews, and posted 12 points and 10 assists, for his first career double-double.[28][29] On March 14, Michigan defeated Minnesota 76–49 in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament, as Livers posted a career-high 21 points.[30][31] Livers' 42.6% (52/122) three point shooting percentage led the Big Ten Conference.[32]

Junior season (2019–2020)

[edit]

On November 12, Michigan defeated Creighton 79–69 in the Gavitt Tipoff Games behind a then career-high 22 points from Livers.[33][34] On November 22, Michigan defeated Houston Baptist 111–68 behind a career-high 24 points by Livers. Michigan's 111 points were the most points scored in a game since a 112–64 victory over Indiana in 1998.[35][36] He suffered a groin injury on December 21 in a win over Presbyterian.[37] He missed nine of the next 10 games before facing Michigan State on February 8.[38] On February 16, Livers suffered an ankle injury against Indiana and missed the following game against Rutgers. In his return versus Purdue, Livers had 19 points, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal in a 71–63 victory.[39] On March 5, Michigan defeated Nebraska 82–58, as Livers posted 18 points and ten rebounds, for his second career double-double.[40][41] At the close of the regular season, Livers was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by the media.[42] Livers started 21 games and averaged 12.9 points per game while shooting 40 percent from behind the arc. He missed only two free-throws the entire season, making 44-for-46 (.957) from the line.[43]

Following the season, he declared for the 2020 NBA draft, but did not hire an agent and left the door open to return for his senior season.[44] On July 17, 2020, Livers announced that he would return to Michigan for his senior season.[45]

Senior season (2020–2021)

[edit]

During his senior season, Livers posted 16 double-figure games with a team-high five 20+ point games, and averaged 13.9 points per game. Livers made a team-high 50 three-pointers, reaching 50+ in a season for the second time in his career. He averaged a career-best 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists, and he added a pair of double-doubles. Following the season, he was named second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media.[46][47] On March 13, 2021, Livers suffered a stress injury to his right foot during a quarterfinal game against Maryland in the 2021 Big Ten tournament, which sidelined him indefinitely.[48] On April 2, 2021, Livers underwent successful surgery on his foot, with his recovery time expected to be a minimum of six months.[49] On April 16, 2021, Livers declared for the 2021 NBA draft.[50]

Professional career

[edit]

Livers was selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft with the 42nd pick by his hometown team the Detroit Pistons.[51] On August 8, he signed with the Pistons.[52] Because of a foot injury, he missed 59 of the first 60 games during his rookie season.[53] On March 15, 2022, in his tenth game, Livers went 4–5 on three point shots to post a career high 16 points against the Miami Heat,[54] as Livers was in the rotation in place of the injured Cade Cunningham, while Frank Jackson and Hamidou Diallo were sidelined to injuries.[55] In his first NBA start on April 1, he posted career highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double against Oklahoma City.[56]

On March 11, 2023, Livers posted a career high 18 points against the Indiana Pacers.[57] On June 29, 2023, the Detroit Pistons exercised Livers’ team option for the 2023–24 NBA season.[58]

On January 14, 2024, Livers was traded to the Washington Wizards, along with Marvin Bagley III and future draft considerations in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala.[59] However, he was waived by the Wizards on April 5 before playing for them.[60]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021–22 Detroit 19 5 20.2 .456 .422 .857 3.0 1.1 .7 .4 6.4
2022–23 Detroit 52 22 23.1 .417 .365 .821 2.8 .8 .5 .5 6.7
2023–24 Detroit 23 6 20.4 .345 .286 .667 2.1 1.1 .6 .2 5.0
Career 94 33 21.8 .407 .358 .789 2.6 .9 .6 .4 6.2

College

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2017–18 Michigan 40 22 15.1 .474 .362 .667 2.3 .4 .3 .3 3.4
2018–19 Michigan 35 3 22.6 .487 .426 .780 3.9 .7 .7 .5 7.9
2019–20 Michigan 21 21 31.5 .447 .402 .957 4.0 1.1 .4 .7 12.9
2020–21 Michigan 23 23 31.6 .457 .431 .870 6.0 2.0 .6 .7 13.1
Career 119 69 23.4 .465 .412 .856 3.8 .9 .5 .5 8.3

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2023-24 start of season NBA pronunciation guide" (Press release). National Basketball Association. October 24, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  2. ^ "4 Isaiah Livers". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  3. ^ Purcell, Jared (March 20, 2017). "Michigan signee Isaiah Livers of Kalamazoo Central is 2017 Mr. Basketball". MLive.com. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  4. ^ Quinn, Brendan F. (August 7, 2016). "Isaiah Livers, a 4-star 2017 forward from Kalamazoo Central, commits to Michigan". MLive.com. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  5. ^ Snyder, Mark (August 9, 2016). "New Michigan basketball commit Isaiah Livers says he's perfect fit". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  6. ^ Quinn, Brendan F. (August 7, 2016). "Isaiah Livers, a 4-star 2017 forward from Kalamazoo Central, commits to Michigan". MLive.com. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  7. ^ Rankin, Reggie (August 7, 2016). "Scout's Take: ESPN 100 PF Isaiah Livers to Michigan". ESPN. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  8. ^ Snyder, Mark (November 11, 2016). "Michigan basketball officially announces 2017 class". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  9. ^ Nothaft, Patrick (March 20, 2017). "Kalamazoo Central's Isaiah Livers wins Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year honors". MLive.com. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  10. ^ a b Goricki, David (March 20, 2017). "Isaiah Livers named Michigan Mr. Basketball". Detroit News. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  11. ^ "Incoming Recruit Livers Named Michigan's Mr. Basketball". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. March 21, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  12. ^ "Michigan beats Iowa 75–68". ESPN. Associated Press. January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  13. ^ "Wolverines Kick Off New Year with Big Ten Road Win at Iowa". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  14. ^ Hawkins, James (January 3, 2018). "UM's Isaiah Livers relishes breakout performance". Detroit News. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  15. ^ "Wolverines Rally, but Fall to No. 5 Boilermakers in Final Seconds". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. January 9, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  16. ^ Sipple, George (January 12, 2018). "Michigan freshman Isaiah Livers may get first start at Michigan State". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  17. ^ Sipple, George (January 12, 2018). "Michigan freshman Isaiah Livers may get first start at Michigan State". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  18. ^ "Wagner scores 27, Michigan beats No. 4 Michigan State 82–72". ESPN. Associated Press. January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  19. ^ "Wolverines Grab Rivalry Road Win Over No. 4 Spartans". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  20. ^ Boone, Kyle (January 15, 2018). "College basketball rankings: Ohio State, Michigan enter coaches poll top 25: The Buckeyes and Wolverines are ranked for the first time this season". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  21. ^ Sipple, George (February 7, 2018). "U-M's Isaiah Livers suffers sprained left ankle 61-52 loss at Northwestern". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  22. ^ Kahn, Andrew (February 11, 2018). "Beilein updates on Livers injury, foul shooting struggles after road win". MLive.com. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  23. ^ Balas, Chris (February 14, 2018). "Michigan Basketball Instant Recap: U-M Handles Iowa, 74-59". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  24. ^ "Villanova takes title, 79-62 over Michigan behind DiVincenzo". ESPN. Associated Press. April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  25. ^ Wyrot, Tom (April 2, 2018). "Michigan Comes Up Short Against Villanova in National Championship Game". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  26. ^ "No. 2 Michigan now 17-0 after 80-60 win over Northwestern". ESPN. Associated Press. January 13, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  27. ^ Wyrot, Tom (January 13, 2019). "Career Nights from Simpson, Teske Spark U-M to Victory, Program-Best 17-0 Start". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  28. ^ "No. 9 Michigan beats Nebraska 82-53 in home finale". ESPN. Associated Press. February 28, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  29. ^ Wyrot, Tom (February 28, 2019). "Michigan Dominates from Start to Finish Against Nebraska on Senior Night". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  30. ^ "Livers scores 21, No. 10 Michigan pounds Minnesota 76-49". ESPN. Associated Press. March 16, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  31. ^ Wywrot, Tom (March 16, 2019). "Wolverines Dominate Gophers, Advance to Big Ten tournament Title Game". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  32. ^ "2021-22 Men's Basketball Media Guide" (PDF). BigTen.org. Big Ten Conference. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 14, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  33. ^ "Strong second half lifts Michigan past Creighton 79-69". ESPN. Associated Press. November 12, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  34. ^ Wywrot, Tom (November 12, 2019). "Livers' Career Night Leads Michigan Past Creighton". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  35. ^ "Livers scores 24, Michigan routs Houston Baptist, 111-68". ESPN. Associated Press. November 22, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  36. ^ Wywrot, Tom (November 22, 2019). "Simpson's Career Night Leads Michigan to Rout of Houston Baptist". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  37. ^ "Michigan forward Isaiah Livers out indefinitely with groin injury". ESPN. Associated Press. December 27, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  38. ^ "Livers returns, Michigan beats No. 16 Michigan State 77-68". ESPN. Associated Press. February 8, 2020. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  39. ^ Sang, Orion (February 24, 2020). "Michigan basketball crossing fingers that Isaiah Livers' injury streak is over". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  40. ^ "No. 25 Michigan beats Nebraska 82-58 with Beilein on hand". ESPN. Associated Press. March 5, 2020. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  41. ^ Wywrot, Tom (March 5, 2020). "Wolverines Rout Nebraska for Senior Day Win". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  42. ^ "Big Ten Unveils Men's Basketball Postseason Honors on BTN". BigTen.org (Press release). Big Ten Conference. March 9, 2020. Archived from the original on March 9, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  43. ^ "Isaiah Livers announces return to Michigan basketball for 2020-21". WolverinesWire.USAToday.com. July 17, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  44. ^ Kahn, Andrew (March 30, 2020). "Michigan junior Isaiah Livers declares for NBA draft". MLive.com. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  45. ^ Sang, Orion (July 17, 2020). "Michigan basketball gets big boost with Isaiah Livers returning for his senior year". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  46. ^ "2020-21 Big Ten Men's Basketball Postseason Honors Announced". BigTen.org. March 9, 2021. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  47. ^ Wywrot, Tom (March 9, 2021). "Dickinson, Howard Headline Big Ten Awards as Top Freshman, Coach". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  48. ^ Wywrot, Tom (March 13, 2021). "Livers Out Indefinitely with Stress Injury to Right Foot". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  49. ^ Wywrot, Tom (April 2, 2021). "Livers Undergoes Successful Surgery on Right Foot". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  50. ^ "Michigan guard Isaiah Livers declares for NBA Draft". NBA.com. April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  51. ^ Zuke, Ryan (July 30, 2021). "NBA Draft 2021: Detroit Pistons select Michigan's Isaiah Livers in second round". MLive.com. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  52. ^ Pistons PR [@Pistons_PR] (August 8, 2021). "The Detroit Pistons announced today that the team has signed Cade Cunningham, the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and Isaiah Livers, the 42nd overall pick, to contracts" (Tweet). Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Twitter.
  53. ^ Langlois, Keith (April 1, 2022). "Killian Hayes grabs opportunity by the shoulders as Pistons run by OKC". NBA.com. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  54. ^ Langlois, Keith (March 15, 2022). "Livers steps up when needed, but Pistons can't beat the Heat". NBA.com. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  55. ^ Williams, Lauren (March 16, 2022). "Isaiah Livers making an impact as Pistons navigate the injury bug". MLive.com. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  56. ^ Sankofa II, Omari (April 1, 2022). "Killian Hayes erupts, leads Detroit Pistons to 110-101 win over shorthanded Thunder". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  57. ^ "Smith leads Pacers to 121-115 win over short-handed Pistons". ESPN. Associated Press. March 11, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  58. ^ Pistons PR [@Pistons_PR] (June 29, 2023). "The Detroit Pistons have picked up its team options for Isaiah Livers, Alec Burks and Eugene Omoruyi for the 2023-24 season" (Tweet). Retrieved August 2, 2023 – via Twitter.
  59. ^ "Wizards Acquire Bagley III, Livers From Detroit". NBA.com. January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  60. ^ "Wizards sign Butler to multi-year contract". NBA.com. April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
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