Dereck Lively II gives heartbreaking look into toughest moment of his life

Every NBA player at some point in their career will have to go through adversity. At times, the adversity can be tough, and happen when least expected.

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II had an impressive rookie season, and exceeded expectations. Lively II averaged 8.8 points per game, and had an impressive 74.7 field goal percentage. Lively II was an important piece in the Mavs' run to the 2024 NBA Finals.

However, Lively II's adversity was tested at a time where he could've given up. Recently, Lively II opened up about the challenges he faced in April.

Dereck Lively II talks about life after the passing of his mother

Lively II recently made a visit with Nike Elite Youth Basketball, and talked about the struggles he faced when his mother Kathy Drysdale passed away at 53 years old after a decade of battling cancer. Drysdale passed a few days before the 2023-24 season concluded, and the 2024 NBA Playoffs were on the horizon.

Drysdale died in the hands of Lively II, and for anybody in the world, it would be heartbreaking to see. Lively II was 20 years old when he lost his mother.

Lively II could've let this bring him down, but he knows how important the game is for not only himself but for his family and teammates too.

"I got to focus on basketball, but at the same time, I can't even go back home right now because I don't have all my life together," Lively II said. "(Expletive), y'all mad if y'all mom take y'all's phones. My mom not there no more."

Lively II was extremely close to his mother, and they even lived together. This had to have been extremely hard for Lively II, but he dominated n the floor during this tough time.

Lively II would only miss one game of the Mavs' 2024 Playoffs and turned into the unexpected x-factor off the bench. Lively II averaged 7.9 points per game, and had an impressive 67.4 field goal percentage. In the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves, Lively II had a fantastic series, and was playing well on both sides of the ball.

Big things can be on the horizon for Lively II for the 2024-25 season. Lively II is turning into a valuable core piece for the Mavs. With already a young superstar in Luka Doncic, a veteran sidekick in Kyrie Irving, and now adding elite 3-point shooter Klay Thompson, Lively II has a chance, along with the mentors on the Mavs, to be a valuable piece for the team.

With how Lively II overcame his mother passing away before the playoffs started, and having an outstanding playoffs, Lively II is one of those players you'd love to have on your team, and root for even if he's not on your team. The Mavs will be relying on Lively II to have another big season.