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Kentucky Basketball: Deandre Liggins Claimed off Waivers by Dallas Mavericks

By Jared DeRossett

January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard DeAndre Liggins (14) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 126-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard DeAndre Liggins (14) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 126-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deandre Liggins has bounced around the NBA in his first six seasons. Hopefully, he will find a home in Dallas along with former Kentucky Basketball player Nerlens Noel.

In an attempt to create some frontcourt depth for the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers waived former Kentucky basketball player, Deandre Liggins. Two days later, the Dallas Mavericks picked up the sixth-year pro.

Many people tend to forget about Liggins when we think about former Cats in the NBA. He played his junior season with John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, and Demarcus Cousins in Calipari’s first year as head coach. In that junior season, Liggins averaged 8.6 points and asserted himself as a hard-nosed defender.

That same work ethic and perserverance displayed on the court helped him guide his way through a couple D-league stints. Liggins has already played for four teams in the four seasons he’s actually been in the NBA. This season has been Liggins’ best, starting 19 games for the defending NBA champions Cleveland Cavaliers.

Joining Nerlens Noel in Dallas

He will be joining former Kentucky star Nerlens Noel in Dallas, where Liggins hopes to find a home. You can watch him take on Denver tonight, facing off with Jamal Murray. He may have a little competition off of the bench with Tony Romo set to suit up tonight as Dallas honors Romo’s time with the Cowboys.

It’s hard not to root for this guy. He wasn’t a highly-touted prospect coming out of college (Pick 53 of the 2nd Round), yet found a way to get his name on rosters. His defense has made him a worthy bench player, providing valuable minutes. This defense will continue to earn him money in the NBA and hopefully Dallas will be his home for a while now. Kentucky Basketball fans are definitely pulling for Liggins to become a mainstay in the league.

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