Warriors unsure if Shaun Livingston will be ready for start of camp following toe surgery

When the Golden State Warriors signed Shaun Livingston to a three-year contract this offseason, they knew the combo-guard had a sprained right big toe.

In August, Livingston underwent arthroscopic surgery on the digit, a procedure that came with a six-to-eight-week recovery timeline. Obviously, that jeopardized his status for a late-September start to training camp. His ultimate return date remains unclear, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, but doesn't sound like it's on the early side.

It's probably not a huge concern for the Warriors if Livingston can't go from day one - though on a new team and with a new coach, it would obviously be preferred. A veteran of nine seasons and eight franchises (soon to be nine), Livingston should be able to learn from the sidelines and slide seamlessly into his role once the season begins.

And that's really the key time frame at play here: having Livingston ready for opening night. He represents a major upgrade to the Warriors' reserve point guard and shooting guard spots, and provides additional ball-handling and leadership on a second unit that lacked those elements last season.