With all the current news surrounding the L.A. Clippers focusing on the recent free agent signing of Baron Davis and the controversial loss of All-Star power forward Elton Brand (signed with the 76ers), nobody seems to have said a word about the Clippers renouncing the rights to the once coveted and currently recuperating guard Shaun Livingston.

Livingston, taken by Los Angeles as the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, hasn't played since injuring his left knee in a game on Feb. 26, 2007. The Clippers declined to give him a $5.8 million qualifying offer this summer. In becoming an unrestricted free agent, the 6'7", 22 year old point guard is currently looking for work and hoping a team gives him a chance. With the jury still out on his knee, whoever takes a chance on Livingston is going to sign the Peoria, Illinois product at a discount. With open cap space and the ceiling of potential still so high for Shaun Livingston in my mind, the Pacers should take the risk and bring him to Indiana especially if Shaun is willing to sign to a league minimum contract.

In acquiring T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack this off-season, as well as having Travis Diener as their back-up, there would be no pressure for Livingston to play now or rush his rehabilitation. In signing veteran point guard Baron Davis as well as the Clippers impatience with Livingston's rehab, collectively lead the Clippers to letting him walk away, a choice they might later regret.

The Pacers should bring Livingston in by offering him a 2 year contract with a 3rd and 4th year option similar to what a rookie mid-late 1st round draft pick receives. If Livingston doesn't pan out, don't pick up the option in the 3rd year, which would perfectly work out to increase the Pacers cap space right as superstars Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade hit the open market (as well as the likely untouchable LeBron James). But, if Livingston proves the Clippers wrong, gets healthy, and becomes half the player he was projected as a rookie, the Pacers would only add to the their already deep backcourt, allowing Indiana to luxury of trading one of their floor generals to strengthen their front line.

Coming into the draft and before his near career ending injury, USA Today said this of Shaun Livingston:

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Magic Johnson COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Jalen Rose

ROLE PROJECTION: Starter, future Hall of Famer

POSITIVES: Any team that passes up Livingston for a more polished pearl will not be able to live it down seven years from now. By then, at only 25, Livingston will be able to dominate a NBA game without scoring a single point and eventually will go down as one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history. Not only does he have incredible vision and instincts, but his towering 6-7 frame allows him to get his shot off with very little spacing from his defender, while his outstanding ballhandling protects the rock from grabby opponents. He does not have to operate from the far perimeter, as most guards do, offering him unique passing angles from mid-range. Livingston's height, long arms and ability to palm a basketball let him quickly dish the ball over or around his defender with the flick of one hand.

SHORTCOMINGS: Only one thing can block Livingston from stardom, and that is not improving his long-range shooting. If opponents do not respect Livingston's outside shot, they can crowd him defensively on the far perimeter, preventing him from penetrating to the mid-range area of the floor, which is where he does most of his damage.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's outstanding, that's easy. I watched him a lot this year. He has a chance, and (I) hate to compare players because I usually don't do this, but I think he's special like J-Kidd — he can see (the whole floor). — Memphis Grizzlies scout Rodney Heard

I would take Jalen Rose in a heart beat, but hell if we got Magic Johnson, Larry Bird will be getting the Sporting News NBA Executive of the Year award without a doubt.