Dereck Lively II has emerged as a key player this season with the Dallas Mavericks, and the 12th pick recently earned praise from teammate Luka Doncic.
Lively has started 35 of his 36 games, averaging 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 assists on 73.9% shooting from the field. He ranks among the rookie leaders in several categories: points (10th), rebounds (second), offensive rebounds (first) and blocks (third).
The soon-to-be 20-year-old has made a tremendous impact on games, given his presence down low and ability to protect the paint with his 50 blocks. He has earned the respect of his teammates, who have complimented the 7-footer often.
Doncic, speaking recently on the “Old Man & the Three” podcast with JJ Redick, heaped more praise on Lively for the way he has stepped in and contributed at a high level.
He plays with a lot of energy, blocking shots and helping us on the defensive end a lot. I don’t think nobody expected him at the beginning that he was going to be this good, but, man, he is really good. He is 19, (in his) first season and already doing this stuff. He can be a big, big problem in this league.
Lively was among the 11 first-year players selected to participate in the NBA Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana. He became the first Mavericks player selected to compete in the annual showcase since Doncic in 2019 and 2020.
Doncic has commended Lively throughout the year. He often notes how effective Lively has been and how rare that is as a rookie. Doncic infamously dropped the f-word on national TV after playing with him on opening night when he had 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Certainly, the words of encouragement from Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Jason Kidd and the rest of the team have helped him maintain his confidence on the court and work to elevate his game to the next level and help them even more.
Lively has given the Mavericks a real presence in the paint and looks to be a cornerstone moving forward. His production has been needed, and the Mavericks look to be playing better with him in the lineup.
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