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.

2. Chet Holmgren

Chet Holmgren is one of the rare second-year rookies. After a torn Achilles he suffered just months before the 2022-23 NBA season tipped off, Holmgren would need to sit out the whole season. This has seemingly benefited the second-year rookie as he has played amazingly for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

At 7-foot-1 with a wicked 7-foot-6 wingspan, Holmgren could easily deflect difficult balls out of bounds, and he has done just this in the NBA. Averaging around 2.5 blocks per game, Holmgren has single-handily anchored down the Thunder defense.

Holmgren even had a season-high seven blocks in a contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Holmgren's seven rejections led the way for a Thunder 108-105 win over the talented Cavaliers squad.

Offensively, the young center has also had his presence felt as he accounts for 17 points per game and just under two offensive rebounds per game. With numbers like this to begin his career, it's hard not to buy stock in Holmgren's career.

Landing number two on this list isn't a slouch to begin the season. Fans could even argue that Holmgren has been more consistent than Wembanyama. Additionally, the Thunder have proven to be a more competitive team over the last few games.

Wins don't necessarily determine who will win Rookie of The Year, but it could be a factor that sways some voters late into the season. Holmgren has surely made some valuable arguments for that number-one spot, but as it stands Wembanyama holds that place.

3. Ausar Thompson

Ausar Thompson has had a massive impact in his limited time in the league. The former fifth overall pick has already emerged as one of the Detroit Pistons' best forwards in just a few games.

Thompson has had his impacts felt on both ends of the floor as he has contributed almost two blocks and two steals per game. Entering the NBA, Thompson was a stand-out athlete and was regarded as the best defender of his class, and he has proven this exact narrative to be true.

Offensively, Thompson has emerged as one of the Pistons' best ball movers. With four assists per game, Thompson could emerge as the lead ball handler in such a young offensive system. The young forward has also contributed on the glass as well. Averaging almost a double-double in points and rebounds, it's hard not to like what Thompson gives you when on the floor.

During Thompson's draft process, it was clear he would need to develop an outside shot to truly hone in on offense. Fans have yet to see the young forward develop a decent-looking shot just a few weeks into the NBA season, he would even embarrassingly airball four three-point attempts in a single half.

Thompson has surprised many with his play and has well surpassed his twin brother Amen. It will be important that Thompson develop an outside shot, but just a few weeks into the regular season it's clear he deserves his spot at number three.

4. Dereck Lively II

The Dallas Mavericks have surprised the whole NBA with their 6-1 start. A massive reason for their success can be attributed to the No. 12 overall pick, Dereck Lively II.

Lively II has played a massive role for the Mavericks. An anchor at the five spot was always missing during the Luka era in Dallas, and the team has finally found one.

Since the jump, Lively II has gotten off to a great start in his professional career. The young center dazzled in his first professional appearance against fellow rookie Victor Wembanyama, putting up a massive double-double to help the Mavericks beat the San Antonio Spurs.

Fans have already seen flashes of what will soon be Dallas' franchise center. With multiple masterclass performances against great competition, Lively II has captured the hearts of many Mavs fans.

Offensively, the young center has shined alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the pick and roll and has even flashed some post-creation skills when stuck one-on-one with a defender. His flashy rolls have already proved costly for opposing defenders, and some have already gotten thrown on highlight reels.

On the other side of the ball, Lively II has become a major contributor to the team. Averaging a block per game, Lively II has already turned down many attempts at the rim.

For fans, it's clear to see the tremendous upside of Lively II just seven games into the season. As the Mavericks prepare for the remainder of the regular season, it will be important that Lively II continues to develop into the generational center the team needs him to be.

5. Brandon Miller

Averaging around 13 points per game, Miller has only just begun to truly tap into his potential. Entering the NBA, Miller shocked many when he was selected No 2. overall by the Charlotte Hornets. It will be important that Miller continues to develop and get comfortable in the NBA, but with his play over the last two weeks, it's clear to see the potential is legit which is why he lands at the five spot.

6.Jordan Hawkins

Hawkins could arguably be higher on this list as he is one of two rookies to score 30 plus points, but for now, he will land at No. 6. The former NCAA National Champion has shined in his minutes with the Pelicans playing a huge role off the bench. Hawkins could be a dark horse pick for Rookie of The Year if he continues to produce the way he has.

7. Marcus Sasser

Yet another Piston player joins the top 10 with Marcus Sasser. The Dallas native has only just begun to get valuable minutes for the pistons, and he has shined in every single one of them. Expect Sasser to rise in rookie power rankings as the season prevails.

8. Scoot Henderson

Scoot Henderson would have been the No. 1 overall pick if it weren't for Victor Wembanyama. Even after being the third overall pick, it's clear that Scoot will need some time to develop. He has struggled to understand the offensive flow of the NBA, but expect to see Scoot get better as the games fly by.

9. Cason Wallace

The Dallas native has proven to be a huge contributor to a solid Thunder squad. His defense has become the biggest standout, Wallace won't have any eye-popping stats but the young guard will do the dirty work which is why he lands at the No. 9 spot.

10. Julian Strawther

Strawther has surprised many with his play on the court, many didn't even expect he would have a role with the defending champion Denver Nuggets. But with some recent solid performances off the bench, Strawther has proven to have a solid role in Denver. Strawther won't ever be the leading scorer or contributor in a game but he will contribute hugely to a winning Denver squad.

It's way too early to predict who will win Rookie of The Year, but as we get deeper into the regular season we can start to notice trends. The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Toronto Raptors for their first home and home game of the season. For more updates on the Mavericks season, stay plugged in.