The dream starting 5 for Dallas Mavericks 5 years from now

C: Dereck Lively II

The Dallas Mavericks addressed their biggest need through the 2023 NBA Draft by selecting Dereck Lively II with the No. 12 pick. The Mavs needed a new rim protector, and they landed one of the best bigs in the draft in Lively II.

Lively II's stats from Duke may not jump off the page, but his defensive presence is evident every time he steps on the floor. People are afraid to drive on him, and he blocks shots that no one can get to but him.

In the NBA Summer League, he showed off his ability to rebound, block shots, and score second-chance points. He is a monster on the glass and will hopefully be the starting center for years to come after he gains some experience.

That's why Lively II is hopefully the starting center in five years. That will give him plenty of time to develop offensively, and hopefully, he is already an elite defender.

This dream lineup depends heavily on the development of Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Josh Green, and Lively II, but if all three players improve continuously, this would be a scary lineup alongside Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

This team would be elite defensively, and having some shooters and solid role players off the bench would make this Mavs team unstoppable. Doncic wouldn't be relied upon defensively, as almost every other player in this lineup has the potential to make an All-Defensive Team at some point in their career.

Landing Antetokounmpo and having Dallas' young players develop at this rate would be a sight to see, and this team could win multiple NBA Championships.