Dereck Lively II, a highly touted talent, was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA draft. The Mavericks’ selection of him signals their determination to shake things up and make a statement in the league. Lively wasted no time in expressing his enthusiasm, declaring that things are about to get lively in Dallas. His self-assurance and determination are palpable, and NBA teams should take note.
The addition of Lively to the Mavericks’ lineup provides a new element and possible game-changer. Fans and observers alike are anticipating Lively’s impact on the squad and the league as a whole.
Mavericks pick Dereck Lively II shared his excitement on becoming pro
Dereck Lively II, the highly regarded Duke University centre, is ecstatic to begin his professional basketball career with the Dallas Mavericks. Lively, who was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, couldn’t disguise his excitement about joining the Mavericks and having the opportunity to make a huge impact on the team.
"I'm tryina get lively in Dallas, that's all I gotta say."@DereckLively mic'd up during the #NBADraft presented by State Farm! pic.twitter.com/7bGp4HweEs
— NBA (@NBA) June 25, 2023
Lively provides a powerful presence to the Mavericks’ frontcourt after being a consensus five-star recruit and impressing during his lone season at Duke. He has the physical tools to play on both sides of the court, standing 7-foot-1 with an exceptional wingspan.
Lively is excited to join the Mavericks’ “remade” centre rotation, offering a defensive anchor to protect the rim and make opponents’ lives miserable. Offensively, he wants to help the team’s key players, such as Luka and Kyrie, by establishing screens, making smart moves, and making space for his teammates.
The young centre understands the value of learning defensive techniques and adaptability on the court. He shown his ability to read and react to diverse scenarios during pre-draft workouts, making him an essential complement to the Mavericks’ defensive tactics.
Dereck’s college basketball record
Dereck Lively II’s outstanding college basketball career at Duke University highlighted his great skills and gained him numerous honours. Lively averaged 5.2 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and shot.658 from the field, cementing himself as a significant contributor on the team.
Lively’s defensive abilities were especially impressive, as he concluded the season with 82 blocked shots, ranking second in the ACC, seventh overall, and topping all Division I freshman. With 82 rejections, he not only ranked second among Duke freshman in a single season, but also tied for the tenth most by any Duke player in a single season.
Lively’s talents were evident during his high school years prior to his collegiate career. He was regarded as the top overall player in ESPN 100’s class of 2022 rankings as a five-star centre at Westtown School in Pennsylvania.
https://youtu.be/QhOZlvq9gFs
Off the court, Lively comes from a basketball family. Katherine Drysdale, his mother, played basketball at Penn State from 1988 to 1992, scoring 1,295 points in her career. Katherine is currently the Director of Marketing and Fan Experience at PSU. Dereck Lively II is primed to make a huge impact in the world of professional basketball with such a supportive family and a wonderful athletic background.
