In the realm of NBA playoff contenders, rookies typically don’t hold much sway. Coaches and star players prioritize seasoned contributors who can help secure victories. Yet, Dereck Lively II has defied these norms, emerging as a pivotal figure for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2023 season.
The Mavericks, following a tumultuous season, found themselves in the advantageous position of drafting high in the 2023 NBA Draft. Opting for Dereck Lively II, a center from Duke University, despite his unremarkable college statistics, initially raised eyebrows. Critics questioned the decision, especially given the team’s pressing need for depth in the wing positions.
However, Lively swiftly dispelled any doubts cast upon him. From the outset of his NBA journey, he displayed a keen defensive acumen and exceptional athleticism that allowed him to match up effectively against formidable opposing big men. Yet more surprising was Lively’s rapid adaptation to NBA-level offense. His on-court rapport with Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic quickly became evident, as he frequently capitalized on Doncic’s passes for alley-oops. Moreover, Lively demonstrated a knack for distributing the ball after setting screens for Doncic, a facet of play sorely lacking in the Mavericks’ arsenal for years.
Despite a season marred by injuries that limited him to just 55 games, with 42 starts, Lively managed to contribute commendable averages of 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. His impactful performance earned him a spot on the All-Rookie 2nd Team. Even in the playoffs, where his statistical output mirrored his regular-season performance, Lively continued to exceed expectations, solidifying his status as a rising star in Dallas.
Highlighting his standout game, Lively’s performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder in early December stands out. Despite the Mavericks’ loss, Lively delivered a career-best performance with 20 points, 16 rebounds (including six offensive boards), and seven blocks—a testament to his readiness for the NBA stage, all achieved in just his 17th professional game.
Looking ahead, Lively enters the second year of a four-year, $22 million contract, with club options likely to be exercised for the remaining two years. The Mavericks are also poised to offer him a rookie max contract, reflecting their confidence in his future contributions.
Anticipating the upcoming season, expectations are high for Lively to further elevate his game. The Mavericks plan to integrate him more prominently into pick-and-roll actions with both Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With a year of professional-level conditioning under his belt, Lively is expected to enhance his defensive prowess and deepen his understanding of NBA strategies. An intriguing prospect is whether the Mavericks will expand Lively’s offensive role, potentially allowing him to test his three-point shooting ability—an area where he reportedly shows promise.
In retrospect, Lively’s debut season merits a resounding grade of A. Despite not boasting flashy statistics, his seamless integration into a winning team framework was pivotal. He fulfilled his role admirably, contributing in ways that complemented the Mavericks’ overall strategy and significantly bolstered their playoff aspirations. Without Lively’s contributions, the team’s journey to the NBA Finals would have been considerably more challenging, underscoring his potential to play a central role in their future successes.
