Even with Deron Williams back, Shaun Livingston is a big player for Nets

If this was a few weeks ago, the return of Deron Williams to the starting line-up would mean a bench roll for Shaun Livingston.  Not anymore, not after Jason Kidd's re-jiggering of the line-up.  He's likely to play Sdot next to D-Will and hope the Nets continue their recent success.

Reed Wallach notes the raw numbers don't tell the whole story...

Shaun Livingston has used his size to his advantage this season. In iso's, he's scoring 1.07 ppp, shooting 56.7% from the field, per synergy

— Reed Wallach (@ReedWallach) January 17, 2014

That 1.07 point per possession is fifth best in the league this season. #Nets

— Reed Wallach (@ReedWallach) January 17, 2014

And he proved, with his 19-point, 11-rebound game vs. the Heat, Livingston can be a big game player.  Ask LeBron James, who Livingston lured in a charge for his sixth personal.  Livingston, in an interview with GiveMeSport, credits Kidd with looking beyond his downside.

"I know I've bounced around, I know my struggles in terms of inconsistency and not being stable in the team," Livingston told Patrick Surlis. "But this year I'm just trying to play good ball. Jason [Kidd] brought me here, I wouldn't be here without him. I'm very grateful for that and I play hard for him."

It was by no means a given that Livingston would be a Net. Others liked Jamaal Tinsley, but Kidd (and Lawrence Frank) pushed for Livingston.

• Exclusive: New Brooklyn Nets star signed to learn from Kidd - Patrick Surlis - GiveMeSport