Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II. Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Mavericks' Dereck Lively is a different player in Year 2

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 10/8/24

As a rookie, Dereck Lively II served as a lob threat and a rim runner for the Mavericks, feeding off the playmaking of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to perfection.

As a sophomore, though, Lively promises to be more than just a role player.

During Dallas' preseason opener on Monday, the Duke product showed the ability to go coast-to-coast on a fast break and finish at the rim with a nice spin move. The sequence suggested he was in the lab this offseason to work on his ball handling.

Dereck Lively has evolved pic.twitter.com/VvUYbuQmwt
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 8, 2024

Lively also showed improved touch around the basket. In the clip below, he posted up a Grizzlies defender and made a beautiful baby hook shot.

Dereck Lively also now has this in his bag.

Just a ridiculous player. pic.twitter.com/BiYesR4v1C
— The Mavs Blog (@TheMavsBlog) October 8, 2024

Furthermore, Lively has been seen knocking down threes at a high clip in Dallas' training camp.

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II working on threes from the top of the key.

Last season, Lively II typically only worked on threes from the corners during his pregame workouts, but looks like he is beginning to work on threes from the top of the key as well. pic.twitter.com/RGLd4wQ22W
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) October 7, 2024

Entering the new season, Lively is projected to back up Daniel Gafford, but his apparent growth as a player could see him break into the starting unit sooner rather than later. Mavs head coach Jason Kidd spoke highly of Lively's poise to improve his craft after Monday's preseason game, which saw the 21-year-old log 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in just 13 minutes of action.

"We know he can shoot the three, [but] now he's shown that can put the ball on the floor and playmake and get to the basket," Kidd said of Lively, via Fansided's Noah Weber. "We're gonna try to take advantage of that. His skill set is like no other, and he keeps developing and showing us what he can do."

The 7-footer averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks as a rookie, for which he made the All-Rookie Second Team. Additionally, he played a vital role in Dallas' run to the NBA Finals.

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