Dereck Lively II poised to become a monster following key offseason adjustment
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The Dallas Mavericks' young big man has been in the lab this summer.
Dereck Lively II has flirted with the 3-point shot before, by making his first 3-pointer in his NBA career in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics in Game 4.
Now, Lively II is back in his corner, and showing people that he can be a threat from deep very soon.
Dereck Lively II is working on his 3-point shooting this offseason
Just like he knocked down his 3-point attempt against Boston, Lively II was seen locked in again in the lab just recently at the Mavs practice facility.
No days off 💪@DereckLively // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/ehnDWeTSs0
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) July 22, 2024
Lively II is already a proven monster on the boards, averaging 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds during his rookie season. In one exclusive interview, Hall of Fame big man Shaquille O'Neal praised Lively II's play during the playoffs. Lively II as a rookie just did what he was asked. Now, he's poised to expand on his game on his own time.
Lively II has been working on this skill for the past few months. Lively II developing a deep shot would help Dallas in the long run, thanks to their many offseason signings that will look to help improve their 3-point shooting.
Mavs fans have dreamed about the day that Lively II turns into a floor spacer due to him flashing tis skill before every game during his pregame workout, and this could turn into a reality soon.
The big man once talked to Detroit's Ausar Thompson and gave a bold prediction of developing a nice jump shot very soon.
Expanding his game would turn Lively II into a monster on the glass with a nice touch from outside. This could be an unstoppable force in the NBA for years to come, as he is already excellent in the pick and roll. Now imagine what the Mavs offense would look like if he was a threat in the pick and pop as well.
After all, according to one NBA insider, the Mavs have compared him to the likes of some respected basketball names, including Hall of Fame power forward, Kevin Garnett.
He was named to the All-Rookie Second-Team after the regular season, but he has sights on bigger goals after going through an emotional roller coaster of a rookie year. Lively II was mostly used as a dunker during his rookie season, but him developing a consistent jumper would undoubtedly take his game to the next level.
For more on the Mavericks, stay tuned.
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