Duke Basketball One-And-Done Climbs NBA Rookie Ladder

Duke basketball's Dereck Lively II appears at No. 5 among this season's first-year NBA talents.
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Dallas Mavericks starting center Dereck Lively II won't likely give Duke basketball a second straight NBA Rookie of the Year winner after Paolo Banchero took home the award last season. It'll probably come down to two other 7-footers in the Oklahoma City Thunder's Chet Holmgren and San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama.

RELATED: Paolo Banchero Joins Duke Gem Grant Hill on Exclusive List

Even so, if the season ended today, it looks as though Lively would probably gift the Blue Devils consecutive NBA All-Rookie First Team selections for the first time since Jayson Tatum (2018), Marvin Bagley III (2019), and Zion Williamson (2020) provided Duke basketball representation in that department three years in a row.

On Wednesday, in the latest update to the Kia Rookie Ladder, NBA.com's Steve Aschburner bumped Lively up one notch to No. 5 overall. Holmgren overtook Wembanyama for the top spot this week; those towering big men are followed by Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller.

Here's how Aschburner summarized Dereck Lively II's recent work and overall performance as the No. 12 pick from the 2023 NBA Draft:

"Back from an ankle sprain that cost him four games, Lively had 20 and 10 against the Phoenix Suns [on Christmas Day], missed only one of nine shots and the Mavs won. They are 17-7 when he plays, 1-5 when he sits. 'He has been playing like he has been in the league for 10 years already,' teammate Luka Doncic said."

RELATED: NBA Star Luka Doncic Heaps Praise on Rookie From Duke

Through his 24 appearances (23 starts), the 19-year-old Philadelphia native is averaging 9.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 74.5 percent from the field.

Lively and the Mavericks (18-12) next face the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-13) in Dallas at 8:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.

List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.


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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.