Michigan Basketball: What to make of Isaiah Livers declaring for NBA draft

As expected, Michigan basketball star Isaiah Livers announced he was declaring for the NBA draft, but left open the option to return. Here’s what it means.

According to a release for the Michigan basketball program Monday, Wolverines’ forward Isaiah Livers has officially declared for the 2020 NBA draft.

Obviously, that means something different than it used to. In the old days, declaring for the draft meant your days as a college basketball player were over. But now, you can declare for the draft, hire an agent and still go back to school.

So this announcement doesn’t mean that Livers’ Michigan basketball career is over. But it does mean he is evaluating his pro potential and that very well could mean he has played his last game for the Wolverines.

Here’s what Livers had to say via mgoblue.com:

"“Following the cancellation of the season, my family and our coaching staff have had several discussions on my future as a basketball player. After much reflection and prayer, I have decided to enter my name into the 2020 NBA Draft and start the full evaluation process. The University of Michigan has done so much for me and helped me get to a position where I might be able to reach my goal of playing professional basketball. While this is only the start of the evaluation, I have appreciated your encouragement and will continue to need it as this process moves on.”"

Juwan Howard said in the same release that he and the staff would work with Livers and his family in whatever way possible as he spends the next few weeks making his decision.

In terms of Michigan basketball fans, this is something that should have been expected. Livers averaged 12.9 points per game this season, despite missing a good chunk of the year due to injury. He also shot better than 40 percent from beyond the arc for the second straight year.

Livers has some skills that will translate to the NBA. He can shoot the ball, he’s skilled offensively, he’s a solid defender and he can guard, as well as play, multiple positions.

But his draft stock isn’t great right now and without a chance to work out for teams individually and no combine, it might be tough to improve that stock. Certainly, if he didn’t get drafted, he would get signed into the G-League like Duncan Robinson and Derrick Walton Jr.

But it’s a risk. Yet, if Isaiah Todd and Joshua Christopher join Michigan basketball as they are expected to, Livers may see fewer opportunities to showcase his ability for NBA scouts.

It’s hard to know what he’s thinking but it doesn’t hurt to explore this option and if he does decide to stay in the NBA draft, it would at least alleviate some of the worry concerning Michigan basketball’s scholarship numbers heading into next season.