Dereck Lively II already making legit case to win one of NBA's biggest awards

After a 1-1 start, the Dallas Mavericks were looking to get back on track during a Monday night affair against the Utah Jazz. The Mavericks would end up winning the game 110-102, but the team did have their faults throughout the game.

Newcomers Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall continue to struggle despite getting open looks throughout the game. This may just be early season hiccups or it could also be early signs of what may become the Mavericks' Achilles heel throughout the season.

The team also struggled in the rebounding department as the Jazz outrebounded the Mavs 62-57 with the help of their twin tour duo of Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen.

Despite some glaring struggles in the eight-point win, there were still plenty of positives to come out of Dallas' second win of the new season.

Dereck Lively II is making great case to win Sixth Man of the Year

It may be early, but Dereck Lively II has already begun to deepen his resume and could find himself deep in the Sixth Man of the Year race by the end of the season. Lively II's impact on the game once he checks in for the first time is huge, as he always keeps the energy high once Daniel Gafford heads to the bench.

When it was announced last Thursday that Lively II would be coming off the bench against the San Antonio Spurs, it surprised many fans. While it was shocking, Lively II has already proven he deserves to be in the starting lineup.

Through three games, Lively II has been one of the first players off the bench for Jason Kidd. This has not only resulted in a seamless transition when one of Dallas' two superstars checks out of the game, but Lively II's stock has only risen without the need for Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving on the floor at the same time.

Off the bench, Lively II's playmaking abilities have been excellent. Against the Spurs, Lively II finished with an impressive six assists and while he may not have reached that total in the Mavericks' other two games, his ability to distribute has been put on full display.

In the game against the Jazz, Lively II made constant screen and cuts to the rim which allowed for wide-open dunk attempts when some of the Mavs guards would penetrate Utah's defense.

Additionally, Lively II has worked on his ability to create second-chance points for the Mavericks' offense. On multiple occasions this season, he has tipped the ball to Mavericks waiting around the perimeter, creating second-chance possessions.

After three games, Lively II's offensive capabilities have only just begun to scratch the surface. Fans have already begun to rave at the second-year big man's touch around the rim. To begin the season, Lively II is shooting 75 percent from the field.

While Sixth Man of The Year isn't a common award for a big man to win, Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid and former LA Clippers center Montrezl Harrell are both former winners of the prestigious award.

Although it's early, Lively II is laying a great foundation to win this award, and his impact on the game cannot be undermined regardless of what the stat sheet says.

Assuming Lively II's role continues to be coming off the bench, he could very well be one of the few names in contention for winning Sixth Man of The Year by the end of this season.