Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II is fearless ahead of matchup with Victor Wembanyama

Jaren Boslow

Sep 29, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) poses for a photo during / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks recently wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 114-104 win over the Detroit Pistons. This would mark the team's first preseason win just five days before the 2023-24 regular season would tip-off.

After the 0-3 start to the preseason, fans were begging to see improvement before their final game against Detroit. Fans got what they wished for, and the Mavericks were firing on all cylinders, including a masterful performance out of rookie center Dereck Lively II.

Lively II would impress many fans and even showcase why he should be the Mavericks' starting center. He and Kyrie Irving would easily pick apart the Pistons' defense, and on the defensive end, Lively II premiered his elite shot-blocking ability all preseason long.

Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II is fearless ahead of matchup with Victor Wembanyama

As the Mavericks prepare for their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs, Lively II will draw a tough defensive assignment as he faces up against fellow rookie Victor Wembanyama. Lively II offered a firey comment when asked about his future matchup against Wembanyama after Friday night's preseason win.

"It's gonna be a battle and I'm excited for it"
Dereck Lively II

Lively II will have his work cut out as he will match up against one of the best NBA prospects ever in Wembanyama, but he has already demonstrated his defensive capabilities all preseason long.

It will be crucial the Mavericks start the season off hot, and a win in San Antonio would be the perfect firework win to get the team ready for the season ahead. It starts with Lively II, and if he can contain Wembanyama, the Mavs have a good shot at starting 1-0.

However, the Mavericks could be without superstar Luka Doncic as he was listed as questionable ahead of the October 25 season opener.

The Dallas Mavericks are less than 24 hours away from the start of their 2023-24 season. For more updates as the Mavericks tip off the regular season, stay plugged in.

Jaren Boslow

Jaren Boslow is a contributor for The Smoking Cuban, where he has been covering the Dallas Mavericks since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Jaren is currently an undergrad student at the University of North Texas studying sports journalism. In addition to writing for The Smoking Cuban, Jaren is the beat writer for the North Texas men's and women's golf teams. While Jaren has only recently gotten into the journalism side of sports, he has been a longtime fan of the Mavericks for over a decade. Through his passion for sports and Mavericks basketball, Jaren offers a unique perspective to fans of the Dallas Mavericks. Outside of covering Mavericks basketball, Jaren is a full-time student who enjoys working out and spending quality time with friends.