6 Mavericks in the running for NBA Awards (and their chances of winning)

4. Dereck Lively II - All-Rookie Team

Ever since the first game of the regular season, Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II has shined as both a starter and off the bench. In his first career game, he outshined Victor Wembanyama and has been a huge part of the Mavs' success this season.

This season, Lively II is averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 74.7 percent from the field. He has been an elite pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic all season long, and he has proved that he deserves to be on one of the NBA's All-Rookie Teams.

Lively II deserves this because of his individual success, his team's success, and his team's success heavy reliance on him. During the first half of the season, the Mavs typically struggled tremendously on the glass and on defense in games that Lively II missed, and he was the third-most important player on the team behind Kyrie Irving and Doncic. He still remains a crucial part of what the Mavs do, but his injuries combined with the addition of Daniel Gafford have lessened his load as of late.

Lively II's injuries are likely the only thing holding him back from being on one of the NBA's All-Rookie Teams as he has only played in 55 games so far. His impact on the floor has undoubtedly shown that he deserves a spot on one of these teams, but it will be up to the voters to decide where he'll land.

Lively II has an outstanding shot of making an All-Rookie Team, and it'll be interesting to see how much the NBA takes his injuries into account.