Mavs Draft Profile: Could Duke's Dereck Lively II Be Future Defensive Anchor For Dallas?

With rebounding and defense as one of the Dallas Mavericks’ biggest downfalls of the 2022-23 season, Dereck Lively could step in and leave an immediate impact.

When the Dallas Mavericks begin the 2023-24 regular season, the hope is that their roster looks considerably different after failing to make the playoffs this season. One big difference that Dallas plans to change this offseason is upgrading its rebounding and defense. 

Mavs GM Nico Harrison spoke on the importance of addressing those two flaws in his end of season interview, whether that be via trade, free agency, or even the draft with the No. 10 pick.

To upgrade at both rebounding and defense, the Mavericks could look to draft 7-foot-1 Duke freshman center Dereck Lively II. 

In 34 games as a freshman, Lively averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks on 65.8 percent shooting from the floor in just under 21 minutes per game.

Sure, 10 combined points and rebounds per game don't necessarily jump off the stat sheet, but it's the 2.4 blocks and the 7-foot-8 wingspan that stand out while only playing half of the game on average. Most lottery prospects played north of 30 minutes per game.

Offensively, Lively should translate to the NBA as an elite rim-running big who can be a legit lob threat in the pick-and-roll or coming off a backdoor cut, especially playing alongside Luka Doncic. As a whole, Lively is still raw on the offensive end of the floor when it comes to facing up or creating shots for himself, but recently showcased his improved jumper at his pro day with Klutch Sports.

7’1 Freshman Dereck Lively ( @DereckLively ) athleticism was very impressive at @KlutchSports pro day and he made 14 straight corner 3’s in front of 30 NBA Teams 😳 He also averaged 2.4 blocks in 20 minutes at Duke pic.twitter.com/SaTA1brIpz

— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) May 26, 2023

Where Lively truly shines as a prospect is on the defensive end. You could argue that he is the best defensive prospect in the entire draft due to his instincts and potential. Again, 2.4 blocks in just 21 minutes per game is more than impressive. His ability to not just block shots at the rim but alter and contest shots on every possession is a game changer.

Lively's athleticism and agility also offers him the ability to step out onto the perimeter and be a threat defending in the pick-and-roll and switching onto smaller guards and wings.

In a recent appearance on the "Inside The Mavs" podcast, NBA draft expert Rafael Barlowe recommended that Dallas draft Lively at No. 10.

"If I'm Nico Harrison at number 10, I'm going with Dereck Lively," Barlowe said. "...I would go with Lively because he provides what the Mavs need — some athleticism in the front court. He was a great shot blocker at Duke this year.”

With Dallas' gaping hole at center, the Mavericks have been mocked and discussed as a potential landing spot for Lively. But, would No. 10 be too early to draft the Duke big man? If Dallas plans on keeping their pick and feel Lively could be available later in the first round, the Mavs could look to trade back to land additional assets alongside landing Lively as their center of the future.

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