Dereck Lively II holds impressive distinction that speaks to his immense ceiling

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a heist in the 2023 NBA Draft. They traded back two spots to dump Davis Bertans' contract and still got their target. Dereck Lively II made an instant impact, and has fans dreaming of what the 20-year-old could become. He is the perfect fit next to Luka Doncic and should continue to improve for several years.

Lively II averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 23.5 minutes per game as a rookie. He is an outstanding lob threat and showed impressive defensive chops, especially in the playoffs. It is not often a 20-year-old big man is making an impact in the postseason, but D-Live certainly bucked that trend in 2024 as Dallas reached the NBA Finals.

He is already one of the most important Mavericks, but what can fans truly expect from him in his prime? This stat suggests Lively II may be on the path to stardom.

Dereck Lively II leads the 2023 draft class in win shares after 1 season

Advanced stats are built to showcase the best talent regardless of position. MVP Nikola Jokic led the league in win shares last season with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Domantas Sabonis, and Luka Doncic rounding out the top five. The stat rewards big men but does fairly well encapsulating the top players.

In the 2023 draft class, Lively II’s 4.9 win shares were the top mark in year one. Victor Wembanyama put up just 3.7 with Trayce Jackson-Davis, Amen Thompson, Brandin Podziemski, and Cason Wallace rounding out the top five behind the Mavericks big man.

If that does not convince fans, Lively II was second in win shares per 48 minutes in the class behind only Trayce Jackson-Davis as rookies.

As fans have already seen, being ahead of Victor Wembanyama in anything is not easy. The number one overall pick is on pace to be a superstar in year two and could be the best player in the world by 2026.

Dereck Lively II does not have that upside, but he is special. The 7’1 big man could certainly be one of the best centers in the world, and he is working hard on his game. D-Live is adding a 3-point shot, which would take his game to another level. He may never be Kristaps Porzingis, but being able to roll and pop would make the Mavs offense even more dangerous.

The Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II combination will be a difference-making duo for years to come. The 20-year-old has shown some passing, rim protection, and ability to switch onto the perimeter. He could be just what Dallas needs as they gear up to be in title contention for the next decade.

The Dallas Mavericks made the NBA Finals in 2024, but they are just getting started. Luka is already an all-time great. D-Live’s role and impact should grow in year two and the sky is the limit. He already leads his draft class in win shares, and the best is still yet to come.