VITALS: 6-7, 186, Peoria Central HS (IL) OVERVIEW: Livingston is an early entry candidate out of high school who committed to Duke. He was named Mr. Basketball in Illinois after his senior season at Central High School in Peoria and led his club to a second straight state title. Livingston developed a name for himself on the Ft. Sooy AAU team in the summer and was widely recognized as the best high school point guard prospect, drawing raves for his passing ability. Livingston played well in the Roundball Classic in Chicago before an uneven performance in Oklahoma City at the McDonald's All-American game. However, Livingston has unusual skills for a 6-7 player and may be the best player in the draft. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Livingston has continued to move up in the draft as teams realize his ability. The Clippers (2) are interested and could bite but would probably prefer to trade down a few spots to get a point guard. Chicago (3) cannot afford to take another high school player but is looking to make a deal. A club such as Memphis, which is without a first-round pick, could trade up to get Livingston. Charlotte (4) has worked out Livingston but is focused on getting a prospect who can provide dividends in the short term. Washington (5), which already has Gilbert Arenas at point guard, has not been linked with Livingston. Is the organization hiding something? The Hawks would be interested if they are still drafting at No. 6, but they may trade up to select Atlanta prep star Dwight Howard. If that happens, whoever the Hawks make a deal with would probably target Livingston if he were still on the board. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Magic Johnson COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Jalen Rose ROLE PROJECTION: Starter, future Hall of Famer POSITIVES: Any team that passes up Livingston for a more polished pearl will not be able to live it down seven years from now. By then, at only 25, Livingston will be able to dominate a NBA game without scoring a single point and eventually will go down as one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history. Not only does he have incredible vision and instincts, but his towering 6-7 frame allows him to get his shot off with very little spacing from his defender, while his outstanding ballhandling protects the rock from grabby opponents. He does not have to operate from the far perimeter, as most guards do, offering him unique passing angles from mid-range. Livingston's height, long arms and ability to palm a basketball let him quickly dish the ball over or around his defender with the flick of one hand. SHORTCOMINGS: Only one thing can block Livingston from stardom, and that is not improving his long-range shooting. If opponents do not respect Livingston's outside shot, they can crowd him defensively on the far perimeter, preventing him from penetrating to the mid-range area of the floor, which is where he does most of his damage. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's outstanding, that's easy. I watched him a lot this year. He has a chance, and (I) hate to compare players because I usually don't do this, but I think he's special like J-Kidd - he can see (the whole floor). - Memphis Grizzlies scout Rodney Heard
