Michigan Basketball: 4 Wolverines roster predictions for 2020-21

What will Livers do?

The decision of Livers is going to have a big impact on Michigan basketball’s roster for next season because he could be the perfect complement to Todd and Christopher. He’s a veteran, a solid defender and a deadly 3-point shooter.

With those guys on the roster, along with Livers and Franz Wagner, Michigan could have a legitimate shot a national championship. With his ability to score, Livers could be an All-Big Ten player, along with Wagner, who has first-round potential and two lottery picks, plus a bunch of other talented dudes.

But back to Livers. He went on record saying that he wants a guaranteed contract. That used to mean going in the first round but last year, Ignas Brazdeikis got one in round two and he got paid really well, even though he played some in the G-League.

The truth is that you don’t even have to get drafted to get a guaranteed contract. You can get a two-way deal, such as Duncan Robinson and Derrick Walton Jr., each did with the Heat. It guarantees you money and time in both the G-League and the NBA.

While Livers isn’t projected to be a first-round pick, he probably never will be and you have to wonder if coming back for another season would help his draft stock? What makes him valuable to NBA teams is his perimeter shooting and his versatility.

His draft stock wouldn’t necessarily be hurt next season and he’d surely shine next to Todd and Christopher, but if his goal is to get to the NBA, my guess is he will stay in the draft. There just doesn’t seem to be much he can accomplish coming back unless he really wants to win a championship because his draft stock is probably about as good as it’s going to get.