Dereck Lively II Justifies Rudy Gobert Criticism
Dallas Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II recently justified his criticism of Minnesota Timberwolves Center Rudy Gobert over the summer. Lively II, 20, and the Mavericks held off Gobert, 32, and the Timberwolves 120-114 at the Target Center on Tuesday evening.
Before his sophomore season in Dallas, Lively II made some headlines during the 2024 NBA Offseason by saying that Gobert shouldn’t have been on the floor in the 2024 Western Conference Finals between the Mavericks and Timberwolves. The Mavericks eliminated the Timberwolves in five games.
Now, fast forward to Tuesday night when Lively II’s Mavericks and Gobert’s Timberwolves competed against each other for the first time since the Western Conference Finals. Some, if not most, people wondered how Gobert would handle the pressure from Lively II. Read on for the latest details surrounding the two NBA players.
Dereck Lively II’s Previous Criticism
Dereck Lively II’s previous criticism of Rudy Gobert at first seemed scarcely credible, but as time passed, Lively II’s criticism wasn’t completely far-fetched from a then-rookie. Gobert is arguably one of the most maligned players in the NBA, as most, if not all, people don’t see his contract value or what he was traded for.
Golden State Warriors Power Forward Draymond Green previously slammed Gobert’s behavior in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Green, 34, said on The Draymond Green Show, “To be taken out of the lineup on any other team in the Olympics as an NBA player, not named Team USA, is kind of crazy.”
Lively II vs. Gobert
The potential Dereck Lively II vs. Rudy Gobert battle could be unreasonable, but it’s worth taking a closer look at. Lively II previously signed a four-year, rookie-scale contract worth $22,282,691, while Gobert recently signed a three-year, $109 million contract extension. Ultimately, it’s up to the NBA team themselves. But most NBA teams would sign Lively II, a young center with a higher amount of potential, compared to Gobert, a veteran center with often unprofessional behavior, if they had to choose.
Lively II Could Succeed
Dereck Lively II can continue to succeed with the Dallas Mavericks. Lively II has been a key Mavericks contributor, thanks to his rim protection, shot creation, two-way play, and playmaking as an interior play finisher and offensive rebounder. Lively II’s current age, contract, and versatility arguably give him an edge over Gobert. Gobert’s flaws are more noticeable on the offensive end of the floor, as he can’t consistently stretch the floor and isn’t fast enough to cover pick-and-rolls.
Lively II wasn’t the starting center in Tuesday’s Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game. Daniel Gafford got the nod to start at center. But Lively II’s an all-defense type of player who showed some flashes of an NBA All-Star upside with his dominance on defense and a touch around the basket on offense. Lively II tends to showcase his infectious energy and enthusiasm on the court, which can make his teammates better whenever he’s on defense. Lively II’s athleticism is great for his size, as he stands at 7-foot-1 and weighs 230 pounds, and he can use his springs to protect the rim.
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