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

The Mavericks have decided to start rookie center Dereck Lively II in every preseason game thus far. Throughout the three contests, Lively II has averaged 3.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. The former Blue Devil has also played 19.3 minutes per game.

While these stats aren't earth-shattering, it's imperative that Lively II get the necessary reps before the season begins. Although Lively II is immensely talented, he is a relatively raw prospect.

After dominating high school basketball, largely due to his fantastic physical gifts. Lively II displayed vast potential at Duke but routinely looked tentative on offense. And, like many young bigs, Lively II demonstrated a propensity to foul.

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

In college, Lively II started 27 of 34 games and averaged 20.6 minutes per game. On the defensive end, the seven-footer averaged an absurd 2.4 blocks per game. And, on a per-40-minute basis, that equates to 4.7 swats. On the downside, Lively II averaged 5.3 fouls per 40 minutes.

Although Lively II has a great physical profile and elite athleticism for his size, his offense left much to be desired. He only averaged 5.4 points per game and didn't display much passing acumen. But, Lively II's role wasn't to score or facilitate.

During his lone season in Durham, the Blue Devils only tasked Lively II with setting screens and rolling to the rim on offense. On defense, his responsibility was stretched further. Lively II was tasked with defending the rim, hedging picks, and rotating to defend cutters and slashers.

Now in the NBA, Lively II's responsibilities will be similar. But luckily for Lively II, there's more of a role for a rim-running, defensive-anchor in the NBA.

And as for the Mavericks, Dallas has been in search of this archetype for some time now. In recent seasons, the Mavs have deployed Dwight Powell at center. Although Powell is a high-motor player, he isn't a defensive asset. He holds career averages of 4.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game.

While Powell is still an option to start at center, Lively II seems like the best candidate. He has future Defensive Player of the Year potential and will only get better with more reps. Here are three reasons that the Mavericks should start Dereck Lively II.

3. Gives him experience

As previously mentioned, Lively II only played 20.4 minutes per game as a freshman at Duke before declaring for the NBA Draft. He only played a total of 700 minutes in college. Conversely, Lively II's counterpart, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, played almost 2000 minutes during his collegiate career.

To put it lightly, Lively II is inexperienced. After a one-and-done season at Duke, where averaged more rebounds than points, a jump to NBA starter is a huge one.

The Mavericks used the twelfth overall selection on Lively II because of his tremendous physical traits and their longstanding need for a center. Lively II fit this description better than any other prospect in the draft available at the twelve.

With such a big investment, Dallas should surely play Lively II early and often. So far, he has been a part of the lineup. And fortunately for Dallas, he's played well in limited action.

Starting Lively II not only helps the Mavs now but will assuredly help their future endeavors. Dallas hasn't filled the five spot with a consistent starter for some time now. Dallas has cycled through numerous big men, albeit with little success.

Dallas may have finally found the answer in Lively II. And, Dallas should prioritize his development. Starting the seven-foot center is certainly the right move. The NBA is played at a much faster pace than college ball, and it takes time for players to become accustomed to this.

Lively II's offense will come and playing alongside star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will only make the transition easier. The former Blue Devil will only have to focus on catching lobs and positioning himself in the right spot to receive passes near the rim.

As for his defense, the more reps the better. Lively II will face numerous All-Star centers. And it'll take time to figure out how to defend these players adequately, without fouling.

Initial results are promising for the young center, but time will tell how he develops. Starting Lively II now and playing him around 20 minutes per game to start off his career looks like the right move.

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.

1. Shot-blocking

Perhaps the biggest need on the Dallas roster is shot-blocking. A season ago, Dallas averaged a measly 3.7 blocks per game, good for 27th in the league.

The Mavs only rostered one player who averaged more than a block per game, Christian Wood, and they let him walk in free agency. Oddly enough, due to his poor defense.

Over the past ten seasons, the Mavs have only had three seasons where a player averaged more than 1.5 blocks per game.

Now with Lively II on the roster, Dallas may have a player average 1.5 blocks per game or more for the foreseeable future. Although it's a mighty small sample-size, Lively II has already averaged 2.0 blocks per game in the Mavs' first three preseason games.

Dallas prioritized improving the porous defense from a year ago this offseason. The Mavs added Grant Williams via free agency (sign and trade) and spent their draft picks on defense-first players.

However, the Dallas roster is still void of quality defenders, especially on the perimeter. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving manning the guard spots, the Dallas defense will surely be in need of a backline anchor.

Although Lively II isn't a well-rounded player yet, he does provide exceptional shot-blocking. His size and enormous wingspan make him a threat to block everything in his vicinity.

And unlike many bigs who appear statuesque on defense, Lively II has the innate ability to slide his feet and rotate like a wing on defense. Rotating and positioning can be difficult for most young bigs, but the former Blue Devil already has the athleticism to make his mark as a backline defender.

We'll have you covered with all the news on the Dallas Mavericks and Dereck Lively II this season, so stay tuned.