Magic NBA Draft: Duke Big Man Dereck Lively II Bringing 'Defensive Intensity'

Dereck Lively II averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game at Duke this season. Could he be drafted by the Orlando Magic?

Jeremy Brener | May 22, 2023

In this story:

Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Drafting a Duke Blue Devil worked out very well for the Orlando Magic last season, and it could be a possibility for this summer as well.

Paolo Banchero was the top overall pick by the Magic last year and went on to win Rookie of the Year, and while it isn't likely for Duke center Dereck Lively II to succeed him as the award recipient this year, he could be an option for Orlando with the No. 11 overall pick.

"I think I'd fit in there very well," Lively said at the NBA Draft Combine. "I know that they definitely need a rim protector, someone to always back up Paolo. And I know they are a run-and-gun type of team, so they get a lot of fast breaks... I know I can run the floor well, I know I can be a transition help, and of course, I'll bring a lot of defensive intensity."

Lively, who declared for the draft after his freshman year, started 25 games for the Blue Devils this past season, averaging 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. While the offensive numbers don't stand out, the 7-1 center can be a force on the defensive end, averaging 2.3 blocks per contest.

If there is any weak spot for the Magic roster, it comes at the center position. Wendell Carter Jr. is firmly supplanted as the starter, but there isn't much depth behind him. Moe Wagner is a free agent this offseason and Goga Bitadze's contract has a team option that may not be picked up. If either player doesn't return, it opens up a spot in the center rotation for a player like Lively, who would give the Magic some valuable rim protection that currently isn't on the roster.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.

Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.

Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.

Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published May 22, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.