3 reasons rookie Dereck Lively II should be the Mavericks' starting center

2. Pick-and-roll threat

Arguably the best passer in the league? Check. Athletic, rim-rolling center?

Dallas has an all-world passer in Luka Doncic but has yet to pair a hulking interior presence with the superstar guard.

Sure, backup big Dwight Powell has demonstrated strong chemistry with Doncic over the years, but the 32-year-old is better suited coming off the pine rather than opening the game.

As much as Lively II needs to improve on offense, he still offers an elite rim-rolling presence right away. The 2023 draftee is 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan. And although he doesn't have an official vertical measurement, it could be assumed the big man has over a 30-inch vertical.

While the big man is 7-foot-1, he weighs 240 pounds. Unlike the typical young big, Lively II has the size and strength of a veteran. For instance, first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama is three inches taller but weighs only 229 pounds.

Lively II's build is more similar to the burlier DeAndre Ayton, rather than to the young bigs entering the league today. Due to his bigger size, setting picks and screens will be an easier task for Lively II as opposed to his draft peers.

And once Lively II sets the pick, he is athletic enough to roll to the rim, make an acrobatic catch, and throw down a monstrous dunk.

Playing next to Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Lively II will catch lobs left and right. He has the physique and hands to become a guard's best friend from day one.