4 Mavericks players whose stock skyrocketed this preseason

The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up the preseason on October 20 with a 114-104 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Dallas had a rough start to the preseason, as they lost three straight games on their international road trip, including a loss to Real Madrid, but the Mavs looked much better in their game against the Pistons.

Dallas was playing fast, the chemistry looked improved, and the team's rotation seemed to be getting finalized.

Although Mavs head coach Jason Kidd still hasn't confirmed a starting lineup for opening night, Dallas' roster is likely finalized as they converted Greg Brown III and Dexter Dennis' contracts to two-way deals on Saturday afternoon.

Dallas begins the regular season on October 25, and there have been plenty of players whose games have taken a jump.

Here are four Mavericks players whose stock skyrocketed this preseason.

4. Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr. has been a question-mark starter for the Mavericks over the last week or two, and he had a great last two games of the preseason.

In Dallas' 114-104 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, Jones Jr. displayed the type of player that he can be for Dallas when he is at his best.

Jones Jr. finished with eight points, shot 2-2 from downtown, and played solid defense. He looked confident when shooting threes off the catch and displayed the exact type of play that will earn him minutes during the regular season.

He has already displayed that he is one of the best defenders on the team, and his 3-point shooting ability is a bonus. Jones Jr. has also had multiple electric dunks in transition, and fans should be excited about his knack for scoring on the break.

Jones Jr. has also said that he wants to take the toughest defensive assignment when sharing the floor with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, showing that he seems fully bought in on his role.

3. Dante Exum

When the Dallas Mavericks signed Dante Exum to a contract this summer, it was a move that some fans questioned.

Exum had been out of the NBA for multiple seasons, and when he was in the NBA, he wasn't great.

Exum's time overseas was clearly crucial for his development, as he boasts a new and improved jumper and looks much more polished as a facilitator.

Through four preseason games, Exum averaged 6.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game. He also shot 80 percent from downtown on five attempts. Exum showcased his potential role perfectly and cemented his role as an essential piece off of Dallas' bench.

Exum's ability to facilitate is something that Dallas desperately needed, as most of the guards on the Mavericks' bench are score-first players. Exum is a good decision-maker and has great vision, making him the perfect leader of the second unit.

Not to mention that he is a versatile defender that can effectively guard one through three. He can be plugged into lineups with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as he can be the primary defender, and his ability to hit threes off the catch makes him a lethal offensive option as well.

Exum proved that he will be a player that Dallas must play, and Mavs head coach Jason Kidd seems quite high on him.

2. Josh Green

The Dallas Mavericks' contract talks with fourth-year guard Josh Green are continuing into the final 24 hours, and Green put on a show and made a statement in Dallas' 114-104 preseason win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Green looked extremely confident in Dallas' win over Detroit, and he had his best game of the preseason by far as he finished with 22 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. He also shot 4-5 from downtown and his jumper looked much smoother than it did last season.

Green's play often depends on his aggressiveness and confidence, and he excelled in both of those areas in Dallas' preseason finale. He was getting to the basket and finishing around the rim, letting threes fly with confidence, and attacking off the dribble. If Green can keep this same confidence heading into the season, he will be indispensable for Dallas.

The Mavs need Green to have another jump in his game this season for the team to reach their full potential, and signs are pointing to him starting on the wing next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Green plays excellent defense and will help take pressure off Irving and Doncic. Both players will be expending so much energy on offense, and Green's defensive ability and motor to pester guards and play tight perimeter defense will be vital.

1. Dereck Lively II

The Dallas Mavericks entered training camp being unsure of who the starting center would be, and although Mavs head coach Jason Kidd still hasn't finalized the starting lineup, rookie Dereck Lively II made a great case for him starting in Friday night's win over the Detroit Pistons.

Lively II finished with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one block. He formed a beautiful one-two punch with star guard Kyrie Irving, and showcased his full offensive repertoire.

Lively II had four dunks, a push shot from the middle of the paint, and a hook. Dallas doesn't need Lively II to score out of post-ups, and he showed that he can be a pivotal offensive player when needed. The Mavs just need him to be efficient, compliment their star guard duo, and accept whatever role Dallas gives him.

So far, he has done all of those things and surpassed expectations.

Lively II is also proving that he can be a defensive anchor for Dallas, as he is already the best shot blocker on the team and deters all shots in the paint. His presence strikes fear in opposing players as they attack the rim, and his defense will continue to progress as he improves at rotating.

Lively II and the Mavericks open up the regular season against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on October 25, and we'll have you covered with all the latest.