Mavericks' secret weapon fans have begged for may finally come alive

Since entering the NBA in 2023, Dallas Mavericks fans have drooled at the thought of Dereck Lively II potentially developing the ability to spread the floor with his 3-point shooting. In fact, one of the major reasons the Mavericks could've selected Lively II with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft was because he impressed in his pre-draft Klutch Pro Day by displaying his 3-point shot.

Now, two seasons into his NBA career, Lively II has only made one attempt from behind the arc, which he made in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals. While Lively II's 3-point hype hasn't been seen in two seasons, the seven-footer revealed that he plans on taking the occasional three when on the floor.

During Lively II's media day availability, he was asked if he plans on shooting threes this season, to which he responded by saying he expects to take the occasional three from the corner and as the trailer. This would not only severely affect the Mavericks' offensive potential as a team, but Lively II may truly be ready to take that year three leap and prove he can be Dallas' starting center of the next era.

The long-awaited next step in Dereck Lively II's game

For multiple seasons now, fans have been begging to see Lively II take a consistent number of three attempts each game, and now they may finally be getting their wish. With Lively II beginning to take shots from behind the arc, it could not expand Dallas' offensive potential, but it would only grow the number of plays Jason Kidd could draw up.

It's hard to imagine Lively II coming right out of the gates and knocking down 40 percent of the shots he takes from behind the arc, but regardless, Lively II is ready to leap in his offensive game. As a Maverick, Lively II flourished in the pick and roll, and alongside Luka Doncic, Lively II became one of the most impressive pick-and-roll centers in the league.

Since trading Doncic back in February, Lively II's offensive output had severely dropped, which could be a reason the Mavericks are so willing to finally explore the former Duke Blue Devil's range. Doncic being traded no doubt affected Dallas' offensive identity, but now they have the opportunity to rebound by developing shooters from all around the court.

Asking a seven-footer to automatically take open 3-point shot attempts will, without a doubt, come with plenty of growing pains, but the Mavericks are almost forced to explore their offensive potential. It may sound like a bad idea to some fans, but giving Lively II the keys to be able to spread the floor would only make Dallas that much scarier to face off against.

In addition, Lively II mentioned that he plans on shooting more as the trailer, which would ultimately give him the ability to also pick and pop. Having the ability to pop out to the perimeter after making a screen would only keep the opposing defenders on their heels, as he can also roll to the hoop whenever other teams' centers decide to hedge over screens.

It may be long overdue, but with training camp here, fans could get the opportunity to see Lively II take multiple three-point attempts during preseason. Assuming Lively II begins to make threes at a consistent rate, Dallas' offense could find a new weapon to rely on.