Fansided

The most surprising player from each NBA team this season

By Connor Learn

Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) is in today's DraftKings daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) is in today's DraftKings daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard DeAndre Liggins (14) attempts a shot over Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard DeAndre Liggins (14) attempts a shot over Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Cavaliers: DeAndre Liggins

An NBA future was once assumed for DeAndre Liggins. A top-25 player in the class of 2008, he paired with Darius Miller as the headline players of that Kentucky squad. Liggins contributed as a freshman, but looked lost as a sophomore as new coach John Calipari brought in John Wall and Eric Bledsoe to dominate the guard minutes. Liggins responded by earning a starting role as a junior and then declared himself eligible for the 2011 NBA Draft.

Liggins had to wait on draft night, but was eventually selected 53rd overall by the Orlando Magic. He played very little in his first three NBA seasons, with three different teams. Though he played well in the D-League and was known as a hard worker, NBA teams lost interest and he didn’t play in the NBA after 2013. He didn’t quit though; Liggins earned numerous accolades for his defensive play in the D-League and finally earned a training camp invite from the Cavaliers prior to this season.

DeAndre Liggins is a guard on the fringes of the Cavaliers rotation. Lebron James would like another playmaker in the Cavaliers second unit; a problem Liggins is not an answer to. The 28-year-old shooting guard is shooting a higher percentage on 3-pointers (37.5 percent) than he is from the field in general (36.8 percent). But with the absence of J.R. Smith this season, Liggins has stepped in and helped fill his role. He has started 17 games for the Cavaliers and played more than ever in his NBA career. Most didn’t expect to see Liggins in the NBA again, and the fact that he is contributing to the defending champions is a testament to his efforts.

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