Golden State Warriors

Shaun Livingston credits Jason Kidd, not the Nets, for his career revival

Published Jun. 9, 2015 3:22 p.m. ET

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Shaun Livingston rode a revival season in Brooklyn last year to a three-year contract with the Warriors last summer. Now, he's acting as a major contributor to a team which could end up winning it all.

So, who does Livingston credit his career turnaround to? His coach with the Nets, Jason Kidd...except he doesn't give the organization, itself, much credit. Here's some of what Livingston had to say, via NetsDaily:

Livingston averaged 5.9 points and 3.3 assists per game during his first season with the Warriors. Kidd, meanwhile, has earned a reputation as one of the NBA's best coaches after turning around the Bucks during his first season in Milwaukee, taking the team from 15 victories to a .500 record and a playoff appearance.

(H/t to NetsDaily for the find.)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek

When David Aldridge asked him this weekend "How important was the year in Brooklyn, and quickly gaining the confidence and trust of Jason Kidd?" Deron Williams' backup chose to praise Kidd, but didn't mention the organization.

"I knew he had vouched for me, even before. He was with the Knicks and I was with Cleveland (in 2013), and the way I played, I think he kind of had, it was a mutual respect, as far as the way I played the game, the way I studied it, as far as having a high IQ. And obviously he's one of the best point guards to play, and he led a team for 20 years. Just having that bond, having that trust in me last year meant a lot. It made me want to go out and play hard every night, play my heart out every night, really back up his decision to bring me to that team."

Livingston signed a one-year, vets minimum deal in July 2013 with no options. By that point, the Nets were limited to small deals while they negotiated with Bojan Bogdanovic. Livingston, although he had Kidd's faith, was still a risk with his injury history.