The Dallas Mavericks’ second-year player Dereck Lively II wants to “own the paint” in the 2024-25 NBA season. Lively II, 20, has been a member of the Mavericks since 2023.
The Oklahoma City Thunder initially selected Lively II with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft but traded him to the Mavericks. He signed with the Mavericks on July 8, 2023, and made his regular-season debut on October 25, 2023, where he posted 16 points, 10 rebounds, one block, and one steal in a 126-119 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Lively II proceeded to play in 55 regular-season games for the Mavericks in the 2023-24 NBA season. He missed several games due to various injuries but averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He has reportedly been working on some things this summer and offseason. Here’s what you need to know about Lively II’s recent comments surrounding his plans for the upcoming season.
Dereck Lively II’s Recent Comments
Last weekend, Dereck Lively II took assistant coach Sean Sweeney to Duke University for “Pro Devils Weekend” to work out. During the outing, an unnamed person asked Lively II what he had been working on this summer.
According to Sports Illustrated, Lively II said, “I’m just trying to be more dominant when it comes to the paint … Strength’s definitely No. 1; working on my handle. You know, everyone wants to see me shoot, but I wanna own the paint before I can shoot threes.”
Lively II’s response to the person was arguably short and sweet. Lively II can achieve his goal of owning the paint. Lively II will likely split minutes with power forward Daniel Gafford. Hence, the photo of Gafford in this article.
Dereck Lively II’s Potential Role
Dereck Lively II should earn a starting role on the Dallas Mavericks’ roster this upcoming season. But there’s a chance that Lively II will split minutes with Daniel Gafford. Gafford’s ability to turn the Mavericks into a defensive monster at the end of the regular season made him a notable player on the Mavericks’ roster. Lively II had the Mavericks’ best offensive and defensive ratings during the 2024 NBA playoffs. That being said, both him and Gafford can serve as two solid rotation players for the Mavericks.
Dereck Lively II’s Previous Impact
Dereck Lively II’s previous impact has been quite clear. Lively II hit a three-pointer in Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics and increased his 62.5% free throw percentage over the final three postseason rounds, both of which have become career highlights.
Lively II’s recent realization that paint protection can make or break his career is arguably a good thing. His subsequent strive to improve can help him become a well-rounded player shortly.
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