Former Kentucky Wildcats Antonio Reeves and Chris Livingston Waived as NBA Teams Reshape Rosters Ahead of Summer League and Training Camp
The journey from college basketball stardom to NBA stability is rarely a straight line, and for former Kentucky Wildcats Antonio Reeves and Chris Livingston, the latest chapter in their professional careers has taken a turn. Both players were recently waived by their respective NBA teams, marking a pivotal moment in their young journeys as they look to reestablish their place in the league or elsewhere in the basketball world.
Antonio Reeves, a standout scoring guard for Kentucky, had signed with an NBA team shortly after going undrafted, aiming to prove his value as a sharpshooter and rotational scorer. His time in the league, though brief, showcased flashes of his offensive potential, particularly his perimeter shooting and ability to create offense off the dribble. However, in a league where roster spots are limited and positional versatility is highly valued, Reeves found himself on the outside looking in as teams made adjustments heading into the Summer League and training camp phases.
Chris Livingston, on the other hand, had been drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft after a one-and-done season at Kentucky. Touted for his athleticism, defensive upside, and raw potential, Livingston entered the NBA as a developmental prospect with the hope that he could gradually mold his game into that of a reliable 3-and-D contributor. After spending time on the fringes of a deep roster and seeing limited action during his rookie season, the team ultimately opted to waive him as part of a roster recalibration.
For both Reeves and Livingston, this turn of events is undoubtedly disappointing, but it’s far from a dead end. The NBA’s landscape is constantly shifting, and many players who are waived early in their careers go on to carve out long-term roles, whether through the G-League, overseas play, or by seizing opportunities in Summer League to catch the eye of a different franchise.
Antonio Reeves’ college career at Kentucky told the story of a mature scorer who could light it up from anywhere on the court. After transferring from Illinois State, Reeves made an immediate impact with the Wildcats. In his final season in Lexington, he averaged over 20 points per game and became one of the SEC’s most efficient and dangerous perimeter threats. His ability to shoot off screens, attack closeouts, and make tough shots in late-clock situations made him a key figure in Kentucky’s offense.
Despite his collegiate accolades, Reeves faced questions entering the professional ranks. His size for an NBA shooting guard was average, and while his shooting was elite at the college level, scouts wondered whether he could get his shot off against longer, quicker defenders. His handle, while serviceable, wasn’t elite, and his defensive game was still a work in progress. These concerns likely contributed to him going undrafted, though he quickly latched onto a team hoping to benefit from his scoring instincts.
Reeves had been working to expand his skill set in pre-draft workouts and during his brief professional stint. Coaches praised his effort and willingness to learn, but ultimately, NBA roster spots are a game of numbers. When teams trim rosters ahead of Summer League, it’s often the undrafted players and two-way contracts that get sacrificed in favor of draft picks or veterans with guaranteed money.
For Reeves, the next step is likely the NBA Summer League, where he’ll have another opportunity to prove he belongs. His skill set remains valuable in today’s NBA, which prioritizes spacing, shooting, and the ability to score in spurts off the bench. A strong Summer League performance could lead to another two-way contract, a G-League showcase, or even an overseas deal with a competitive European team.
Chris Livingston’s situation is slightly different. As a former five-star recruit and high school standout, Livingston arrived at Kentucky with high expectations. During his lone season under John Calipari, Livingston showed glimpses of his two-way potential but struggled with consistency. He averaged modest numbers, often deferring to more experienced players, and left some wondering whether another year in college would have served him better.
Still, his physical tools made him an intriguing second-round prospect. At 6-foot-6 with a strong frame, long arms, and good mobility, Livingston checked many boxes as a potential NBA wing defender. His offensive game was still developing — the jumper was inconsistent, and he lacked the polish of more seasoned wings — but his ceiling remained high. The team that drafted him saw him as a project worth investing in, but after a year of limited production and tough competition for minutes, they opted to waive him as they realigned their development priorities.
For Livingston, the road back to the NBA may be longer, but it’s far from closed. His youth — he’s still only 20 years old — and his physical gifts make him a prime candidate for a developmental role elsewhere. Teams with strong G-League affiliates might look to scoop him up and commit to a long-term growth plan. Alternatively, like many other former Wildcats, he could find opportunity and financial stability overseas while continuing to refine his game.
The timing of the waivers is notable as it comes just ahead of the NBA’s Summer League period — a showcase designed exactly for players like Reeves and Livingston. These events often serve as a second chance, allowing waived players to compete against their peers and demonstrate improvements or versatility that they may not have had a chance to show during the season. Scouts and front office executives from every team attend these games, and a strong week in Las Vegas could change a player’s fortunes overnight.
Historically, Kentucky players have had a knack for bouncing back after early professional setbacks. The program, known for preparing its athletes for the next level, instills both competitive fire and resilience in its players. Both Reeves and Livingston left Lexington with a solid foundation, and both have shown glimpses of the talent that once made them top recruits and contributors for one of college basketball’s most storied programs.
Coach John Calipari, who coached both players before his departure to Arkansas, has often said that the journey to the NBA is different for everyone. “Some guys are ready to go right away. Others need time to figure it out, to grow into who they’re going to be,” Calipari once said. “That doesn’t make them failures. That makes them part of the process.”
That process is now ongoing for both Reeves and Livingston. They join a long list of Kentucky alumni who faced early adversity in their professional careers. For every one-and-done lottery pick, there are players like Wenyen Gabriel, DeAndre Liggins, and Darius Miller — Wildcats who took circuitous routes to NBA success through perseverance, hard work, and seizing opportunities when they arose.
The support system for Kentucky players remains strong, with agents, trainers, and alumni networks working behind the scenes to ensure players like Reeves and Livingston get new opportunities. Whether it’s a return to the G-League, a camp invite, or a European contract with an NBA out-clause, options remain on the table.
Both players also bring more than just their skill sets — they bring professionalism, experience from a top-tier college program, and a desire to improve. In an era where attitude and work ethic matter as much as raw ability, Reeves and Livingston are likely to find new homes willing to invest in them.
As of now, the waivers mark a pause, not an ending. Reeves will aim to prove he can be more than just a scorer — that he can contribute in multiple ways and defend his position. Livingston will look to show growth in his shooting, decision-making, and defensive assignments. Both players understand that while the path to long-term NBA success isn’t easy, it remains possible with focus and determination.
For fans of Kentucky basketball, the news may sting, but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Not every journey is smooth, but the foundation built in Lexington continues to support players in their pursuit of excellence. Reeves and Livingston still have the tools, the pedigree, and the opportunity to write new chapters in their basketball stories — even if the path forward now includes a detour.
