He was a three-time NBA champion, never missed a midrange, but a devastating injury ended his career

Failure and redemption are common themes in the careers of NBA stars. But imagine never missing — at least from one particular spot on the floor. That was the case for Shaun Livingston, who made a career out of midrange perfection. The former Golden State Warrior owns one of the most surreal and efficient stats in league history, shooting 100% from midrange in a season. His journey, however, was also marked by pain, perseverance, and triumph, ending with three championship rings and a legacy few expected.

Shaun Patrick Livingston, born September 11, 1985, may not be the flashiest name in NBA lore, but his impact on the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty is undeniable. He was never the face of the franchise, yet his contributions off the bench made him one of the most trusted veterans during the team’s dominant run in the 2010s.

Livingston was part of three championship teams — in 2015, 2017, and 2018 — and served as the perfect backup to Stephen Curry. His poise, basketball IQ, and especially his flawless midrange game provided a stabilizing force in Steve Kerr’s rotation. According to the NBA’s statistical archives, Livingston recorded a perfect midrange field goal percentage during one stretch of his career, a rare feat in a league that prizes threes and dunks over jump shots.

But Livingston’s road to glory was anything but easy. On February 26, 2007, while playing for the Clippers against the Charlotte Bobcats, he suffered one of the most gruesome injuries in NBA history. After landing awkwardly on a missed layup, Livingston dislocated his left kneecap and tore his ACL, PCL, and lateral meniscus, while also spraining his MCL and dislocating both his patella and tibio-fibular joint. Amputation was even discussed as a possibility.

Stephen Curry #30 and Shaun Livingston #34 of the Golden State Warriors look on from the sideline late in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals

It took months of grueling rehab for Livingston to simply walk again, and the first few years of his professional career were riddled with setbacks. He missed 101 of a possible 246 games across his early NBA seasons. But everything changed once he arrived in Golden State, where his career was reborn and ultimately defined by poise, precision, and leadership.

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From Peoria to the pros: Livingston’s early years

Before the NBA, Livingston honed his skills in Peoria, Illinois, raised by his father and grandfather after his mother left during his early childhood. Despite personal challenges, his basketball abilities stood out from a young age. He was dribbling two balls blindfolded by second grade and later led Concordia Lutheran School to state titles.

Livingston became a high school star at Peoria Central, winning back-to-back state championships and earning Illinois Mr. Basketball honors. He never forgot his roots. In 2016, he donated $1 million to Concordia Lutheran, helping future generations at the school where his journey began. He has also remained open about his Lutheran faith and the role it played in grounding him.

A legacy beyond the court

Livingston officially retired from the NBA on September 13, 2019, capping off a 15-year career filled with highs, lows, and one of the sport’s most inspiring comebacks. “I’m excited, sad, fortunate, and grateful all in one breath,” he wrote in his farewell message. “Hard to put into a caption all of the emotions it takes to try and accomplish your dreams.”

Though originally thought to be a three-time champion, Livingston added a fourth ring in 2022 — this time as an executive. On September 15, 2020, the Warriors named him Director of Player Affairs and Engagement. He was part of the front office when Golden State defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals. He stepped down from the position in June 2023 to spend more time with his family.