By james art The Dallas Mavericks’ selection of Derek Lively II as the 12th overall pick in the 2023 Draft paid dividends in their rookie season, quickly becoming the team’s defensive anchor that helped them reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. While his rookie numbers weren’t special, averaging just 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds, his interior and perimeter defense gave opposing teams problems. However, what Derek Lively may need to do is round out his offense a bit more to develop beyond the lob threat and better fit the Mavericks’ superstar backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
So here’s a look at Lively practicing outside shots before Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz, via Abby Jones at X, ex-Twitter.
Mavericks title hopes
Last season, no one expected the Mavs to compete in the Finals amid a stacked Western Conference.
The Mavericks also went through a gauntlet, beating the Clippers, Thunder and Timberwolves en route to the Celtics, who finally beat them in five games thanks to a deep game plan that exposed the weaknesses of Luka Doncic, an overworked Kyrie Irving on offense, and close role players like Derek Lively.
However, in his rookie season, Lively became a reliable finishing lob in pick-and-roll actions with Doncic, quickly developing chemistry with the All-Star guard. His sense of the game also allowed him to hang around the crease to catch lobs from Doncic or Irving.
Likewise, the addition of Klay Thompson from the Mavericks in the offseason meant the team could take advantage of Lively’s short-throw passing ability, which would help Thompson set up for corner threes without the overshoot.
Right now, his pick-and-roll efficiency and excellent rim protection make Derek Lively a valuable piece for a championship hopeful. However, better teams can still game plan or game plan him off the field, meaning he will need to expand his game to get his team over the hump.
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Outlook
In addition to the Mavericks giving him a bigger role on offense, he will need to improve his scoring in addition to catching lobs. At the very least, he’ll need to develop a starting shot in the post that gives him two points on nearly every possession.
Likewise, due to the modern NBA’s premium on outside shooting, he will also need to develop a reliable three-point shot in reasonable volume if he wants to stay on the court during the playoffs. Fortunately for his team, he seems to have gotten the memo, given the video of him practicing three-pointers.
Still, the Mavericks have found their center of the future and have a legitimate shot at making the Finals again if Lively reaches his full potential.