NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Where does Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II land?

This NBA season has officially marked a new era in which the league is headed. The Wemby era has officially begun, and fans are already seeing fireworks after fireworks three weeks in.

The Dallas Mavericks have begun the season with an astounding 6-1 record. The Mavs have seemingly flipped the narrative that has plagued them for many years. Starting this season off hot was a major concern for many fans, and they have seemingly erased any early concern that has followed this team in the past.

All six Mavericks wins have been impressive in their rights. The team's two most recent victories were impressive comeback wins over two Eastern Conference opponents.

NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Where does Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II land?

The Mavericks have ultimately dominated the fourth quarter and outscored every opponent in the process. More impressively, the Mavericks are dominating the fourth quarter plus-minus stat. With six players leading the NBA's plus-minus clutch stats, it's hard not to be impressed with what this team has already accomplished so early into the season.

Superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have impressed many with their impressive play together.

Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. have controlled the defensive side of the ball with some impressive defensive games between the two. Even on offense, the two have been excellent at shooting behind the arc. However, not many have been more impressive than rookie Dereck Lively II.

Lively II has dominated in almost every game he has played in. If it wasn't for some early foul trouble in two of the Mavericks' games this season, Lively II could arguably be a top-three rookie. Even with the foul trouble, Lively II has been impressive on both ends of the floor.

After such a spectacular start to the season for the rookie center it's clear there are a few rookies ranked higher than Lively II. Where exactly does the rookie center rank just a few weeks into the 2023-24 season?

1. Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama entered the league as the most hyped-up prospect since Lebron James entered the league in 2003. Three weeks into his rookie season, the phenom has exceeded expectations.

Averaging just under 20 points per game and 2.5 blocks per contest, he could be just reaching the tip of the iceberg of his potential. With freaky athleticism and height, it would be hard not to see Wembanyama exceed well past his rookie numbers.

Just weeks into the season, the rookie phenom has already had his breakout game with a masterclass performance against the Phoenix Suns. Tallying 38 points and 10 rebounds on crazy efficiency from the field, he would lead the Spurs to a 132-121 win against the Suns.

It is clear Wembenyama is just scratching the surface of how good he can truly be, but fans have already seen enough to know he will be truly fun to watch in just a few years from now.