Cavs' Jarrett Allen 'Big Fan' of Mavs' Dereck Lively, Shares Advice to Rookie Big Man

Cavs big man Jarrett Allen shared some advice to Dereck Lively II while describing himself as being a "big man" of the Mavs rookie.

DALLAS — Jarrett Allen produced a dynamic performance against the Dallas Mavericks, helping to lead a 20-point comeback win for the undermanned Cleveland Cavaliers. He totaled 24 points, 23 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, thriving whether he faced Dereck Lively II or a small ball lineup. 

When discussing the game, Allen noted how he's a "big fan" of Lively, expressing how he's kept tabs on his rookie season. The Cavs big man is impressed with how Lively has managed to rebound and utilize positioning at 19 but acknowledged his outgoing on Wednesday wasn't his strongest of performances. 

"I'm a big fan of Derek Lively, and I keep up with him as a rookie," Allen said. "He's been excellent this year getting rebounds and just positioning. So, not necessarily a mismatch. I just feel like he didn't have the best game for himself tonight."

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Coming off a performance totaling 20 points and 10 rebounds in a Christmas Day victory over the Phoenix Suns, Lively did not build on his strong outing against the Cavs, totaling only four points, four rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 25 minutes. Mavs coach Jason Kidd stated Lively must be ready from the start of the game going forward and can learn "a lot" from the loss. 

"[He can learn] A lot. A lot from the first play of the game. You've got to be ready," Kidd said. "Everybody can talk about how well you're playing but you've got to understand who you're playing against. The first play of the game went to [Jarrett] Allen, and he got a foul. Just understanding Allen's an All-Star, and he plays at a high level. This is a game he (Lively) can learn from."

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In terms of advice for Lively, Allen conveyed the importance of studying other big men who have already gone through the ups and downs of the NBA journey, learning from what they do well, and work to apply it. 

"For me, growing up, or from my rookie year, just watch a lot of film of the guys that's been in your position and try to take things from everybody ahead of you," Allen said.

Allen made clear that Lively will benefit from playing alongside Luka Doncic, one of the NBA's premier playmakers, allowing him to receive many easy shots due to the attention the Slovenian superstar commands. From what Allen has seen, Lively will have a lengthy career in the league. 

"He's lucky to be able to play with Luka, to be able to get a lot of reps, a lot of shots, because you're probably going to collapse on him," Allen said of Lively. "And don't get down on yourself, because you're going to have a long career in this league and enjoy every step of the way."

The final chance Lively will get to face Allen this season, assuming both players are healthy for the matchup, will be on Feb. 27 at RocketMortgage Fieldhouse. 

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