Shaun Livingston thought he had done enough to have made the Rockets roster, but was not at all surprised when he didn’t.
Livingston said the Rockets “absolutely” made a decision based on his contract rather than his play. Livingston, who returned with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, had just $1 million of the $3.5 million remaining on his contract guaranteed and was among the Rockets’ final cuts, though Rockets coach Kevin McHale acknowledged that he had strongly advocated that the Rockets keep Livingston’s experience as a backup point guard.
“I was not really surprised,” Livingston said. “There were rumors of that type of situation unfolding. It’s frustrating, but at the same time, it’s part of the business and it’s a part of being professional.
“It’s no secret that’s (Rockets general manager) Daryl Morey’s strategy, how he is known. He is very complex with the cap and how he does things. It could end up working out for the best for them. I’ve been a victim of circumstances this season. That’s been my theme this season.”
Livingston signed with the Wizards, was cut, and then signed with the Cavaliers, moving into starting lineup when Kyrie Irving went out with a sprained left shoulder, offering Livingston a chance to show his ability to still contribute in his seventh NBA season.
“I would like to think so,” Livingston said. “It’s worked out well for me. Hopefully, it’s worked out well for them. We’re trying to win games. In the midst of doing there, there has been some decent production as an individual. It can only help. I’m trying to make the best of the opportunity.”
McHale had hoped he would be doing that for the Rockets, but the Rockets kept rookie Scott Machado and his non-guaranteed contract.
“He’s a great guy,” McHale said. “Knows how to play. He’s past so much of the stuff he had to get past as a young player to be a team player. He just has a whole vibe about him that’s great.
“I was advocating very hard for his influence.”
