The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, and newcomer DeAndre Liggins was solid on defense in his 18-minute debut with the team. Bucks head coach Jason Kidd was impressed by Liggins' first game, and the guard may continue to get key minutes when defense is needed.
"I think it just shows his heart, his determination," Kidd told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Being here -- he deserves to be here -- we've been looking to get him and we got him. I thought his spirit, his energy on the ball carried over to the other four guys on the floor."
Liggins, a four-year NBA veteran, was claimed off waivers by the Bucks after the Miami Heat released him. Liggins began the offseason with the Dallas Mavericks and was traded to the Houston Rockets on June 28 and then later in the day sent to the LA Clippers. On Sept. 25, the Clippers traded Liggins to Atlanta, and soon after, he was waived by the Hawks. The Heat signed Liggins on Oct. 10 and cut him on Oct. 14.
Liggins, 29, has bounced around the NBA since he was selected by the Orlando Magic with the No. 53 pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Liggins believes he can play a vital role for the Bucks.
"My job is to bring a toughness to this team," Liggins said. "I think I can fit well bringing the toughness off the bench, be unselfish and just play my role, and I think I'll be fine."
-- Nick Silva
