Isaiah Livers Bio
Isaiah Maurice Livers is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Valley Suns of the NBA G League. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 220 pounds, Livers plays as a forward and is widely recognized for his perimeter shooting and team-first approach. He previously played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines, where he developed into one of the Big Ten Conference’s most reliable outside shooters.
Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Livers rose to statewide prominence during his high school years before committing to Michigan in 2016. After four seasons with the Wolverines, he was selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, beginning a professional career that has also included a brief stint with the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League. In 2025, he joined the Phoenix Suns on a two-way deal, opening a new chapter in his career.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah Maurice Livers was born on July 28, 1998, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Morris Livers and Angela Livers. He grew up in a supportive household that nurtured his interest in basketball from an early age. Livers began playing the sport at the age of five, often practicing in the driveway with his father, Morris. Those early sessions helped him develop the fundamentals and confidence that would later define his game.
Livers attended Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the state. During his senior season, he was named the 2017 Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and won the prestigious Mr. Basketball of Michigan award. Livers edged out future Michigan State standout Xavier Tillman in the closest vote in the history of the award, becoming the eleventh recipient from Kalamazoo Central and the first since Manny Harris in 2007.
Path to Basketball
Livers’ recruitment drew attention from several major college basketball programs. The University of Michigan began recruiting him in May 2016, and he made an official visit on July 28 of that year, earning an offer from the Wolverines. Although he considered visiting California, he ultimately canceled the trip and committed to Michigan on August 7, 2016, choosing the Wolverines over programs including Michigan State, Butler, Minnesota, California, and Boston College.
Livers signed his National Letter of Intent as part of a three-scholarship incoming class that included Jordan Poole and Eli Brooks. His decision to remain close to home and join a rising Michigan program set the stage for a successful college career. He entered the Wolverines’ rotation early and contributed to a team that would soon compete for national championships.
Isaiah Livers Career
Early Career at Michigan (2017–2019)
As a freshman during the 2017–18 season, Livers delivered a breakout performance with a career-best 13 points against Iowa on January 2, 2018, sparking three consecutive double-digit scoring efforts off the bench. His play earned him a starting spot, and he helped Michigan defeat fourth-ranked Michigan State in their rivalry game on January 13. The Wolverines reached the championship game of the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament before falling to Villanova.
During his sophomore season in 2018–19, Livers continued to develop as a versatile forward. He posted his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 assists against Nebraska on February 28, 2019, after replacing an injured Charles Matthews in the starting lineup. He scored a career-high 21 points in the Big Ten tournament semifinal against Minnesota and led the conference in three-point shooting percentage at 42.6 percent.
Junior and Senior Seasons (2019–2021)
In his junior season of 2019–20, Livers emerged as a reliable scoring option for the Wolverines. He scored a then-career-high 22 points against Creighton on November 12, 2019, before improving that mark with 24 points against Houston Baptist ten days later. Despite battling groin and ankle injuries, he started 21 games and averaged 12.9 points per game while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and 95.7 percent from the free-throw line. Following the season, he declared for the 2020 NBA Draft but later withdrew and returned for his senior year.
During his senior season in 2020–21, Livers averaged 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He connected on a team-high 50 three-pointers and recorded two double-doubles, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and the media. His season was cut short when he suffered a stress injury to his right foot during the 2021 Big Ten tournament in March, leading to surgery in April and his decision to declare for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Detroit Pistons Era (2021–2024)
Livers was selected with the 42nd overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by his hometown team, the Detroit Pistons. He signed with the franchise on August 8, 2021, but a foot injury limited him to just one game over the first 60 contests of his rookie season. In his tenth NBA game on March 15, 2022, he scored a career-high 16 points against the Miami Heat, and on April 1, he recorded his first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds against Oklahoma City.
Livers continued to progress in 2022–23, posting a career-high 18 points against the Indiana Pacers on March 11, 2023. The Pistons exercised his team option for the 2023–24 season, signaling their confidence in his development. However, on January 14, 2024, he was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a package that included Marvin Bagley III. The Wizards waived him on April 5, 2024, without him playing for them, and he later underwent a hip resurfacing procedure in October 2024 that was expected to require a full year of recovery.
Phoenix Suns Era (2025–Present)
On July 8, 2025, Livers signed a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns, linking him to the Valley Suns of the NBA G League. The agreement marked a significant step in his comeback from hip surgery and a fresh opportunity to compete at the NBA level. His shooting ability and positional versatility positioned him as a useful perimeter option for Phoenix’s roster.
Livers’ role with the Suns allows him to split time between the NBA parent club and its G League affiliate, giving him a clear path to continue his development while contributing to a contender. His presence added frontcourt depth to a Phoenix team pursuing a deep postseason run in 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Livers is best known for his perimeter shooting, footwork, and high basketball IQ. He led the Big Ten Conference in three-point shooting percentage during the 2018–19 season and converted 95.7 percent of his free throws the following year. His ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within a team concept has made him a valued rotation piece at every level of his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Livers’ path has been shaped by several memorable milestones, including his narrow Mr. Basketball of Michigan victory over Xavier Tillman in 2017 and Michigan’s run to the 2018 NCAA championship game. In the NBA, he recorded his first double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds against Oklahoma City in 2022 and scored a career-high 18 points against Indiana in 2023. His perseverance through a serious foot injury in college and a hip resurfacing procedure in 2024 highlighted his resilience.
Isaiah Livers Career Wins
While individual win totals across specific NBA series are not fully verified, Livers has been part of several winning teams throughout his career. At Kalamazoo Central, he captured the 2017 Michigan Mr. Basketball award, and at Michigan, he was a key contributor on the 2017–18 squad that won the Big Ten Conference tournament title. His professional career has focused on development and contribution rather than headline individual accolades.
Michigan Highlights
During his time with the Michigan Wolverines, Livers helped the program win the 2018 Big Ten Conference men’s basketball tournament. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021 and led the conference in three-point shooting percentage during the 2018–19 season. His consistent perimeter shooting and defensive effort made him a reliable contributor across four collegiate seasons.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond team accomplishments, Livers collected individual honors including 2017 Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball of Michigan. In the NBA, he steadily built his reputation as a dependable role player for the Detroit Pistons, and his two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns in 2025 represented another achievement in his professional journey.
Isaiah Livers Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Livers was raised by his father, Morris Livers, and his mother, Angela Livers, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His father played a central role in introducing him to basketball, coaching him through early drills in the family driveway starting at age five. The supportive environment provided by his parents helped shape his work ethic and commitment to the sport.
Personal Life
Isaiah Livers has remained largely private about his personal life. Public records indicate he is focused on his basketball career and his recovery and return to play following his 2024 hip procedure. He continues to be closely connected to his hometown of Kalamazoo, where he built his early reputation as one of Michigan’s top high school prospects.
2025 Season Performance
Livers entered the 2025 NBA season on a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns, marking his return to NBA action after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in October 2024. His deal allowed him to develop with the Valley Suns of the NBA G League while remaining eligible for NBA call-ups. The arrangement gave Phoenix a cost-effective option to evaluate his recovery and skill set across two competitive environments.
Throughout the early portion of the 2025 season, Livers focused on regaining his conditioning and perimeter shooting rhythm. His reputation as a career 40-plus percent three-point shooter at the collegiate level gave the Suns confidence in his offensive upside. Working with the Valley Suns allowed him to log consistent minutes and rebuild confidence in his surgically repaired hip.
Looking ahead, Livers’ outlook for the remainder of 2025 depends heavily on his continued recovery trajectory. A healthy and productive stretch in the G League could position him for an expanded NBA role with the Suns. His combination of shooting touch, positional size, and prior NBA experience make him a logical candidate to contribute down the stretch if his body cooperates.