NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Podziemski rises after helping Warriors win 6 in a row

5. Dereck Lively II

Last rank: 4

Dereck Lively II had yet to play a single game in February until Wednesday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Despite only playing 17 minutes in his return, Lively II had some of the most productive minutes of his career.

In 17 minutes, Lively II dropped eight points and five rebounds. More impressively, Lively II recorded a game-high four blocks and finished the night off with a plus-27 in his time on the court. Lively II also proved to be the Victor Wembanyama counter as in the second half, Wembanyama couldn't get anything going on the offensive end when Lively II along with P.J. Washington was guarding him.

While Lively II remained sidelined with a broken nose, the Mavericks made two critical moves during the trade deadline. The first of which was acquiring Daniel Gafford, who will solidify the backup center rotation for the Mavericks. After securing Gafford, the Mavs made a homerun deal to acquire Washington. Washington was brought in to hunker down the power forward position and improve the Mavericks' lackluster defense.

Wednesday was Lively II's first game with the new-look Mavs. As we approach the All-Star break, it will be critical for Lively II and the newly acquired Mavs to get comfortable together as they will be seeing the floor a lot together.

The Mavericks will play the Phoenix Suns in a critical game on February 22.