8 Dallas Mavericks that fans were wrong about this season

3. Dereck Lively II

When the Dallas Mavericks drafted Dereck Lively II, some fans were skeptical that he was ready for the NBA.

His college stats scared some people away, and people thought that his limited offensive game would hold him back.

Since being in the league, Lively II has been one of the best rookies and has proved that he is vital to what the Mavs do. He is the best rim protector, rebounder, and shot blocker on the squad, and Dallas looks vastly better with him on the floor.

Any doubts that fans originally had about Lively II are gone. He has shown an elite feel for the game, is effective in the pick and roll, and is an excellent defender. Teams have to play differently when he's on the floor.

He deters any shot that is in the paint and he guards centers better than anyone else on the roster.

Lively II is one of the most important players on this team, and although some fans were excited about Dallas' selection, others were not. He is exactly what Dallas needed, and fans should be excited about his future.

Lively II finished with 10 points, two rebounds, and two blocks in last night's win over the Pelicans and continues to show exceptional chemistry with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.