Dereck Lively II fuels Mavericks-Timberwolves rivalry by roasting Rudy Gobert

October 7, 2023.

The Dallas Mavericks were in Abu Dhabi to open up the 2023-24 preseason, and the Mavs' first-round pick Dereck Lively II started his NBA career by having to guard both Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.

The Mavs played the Timberwolves two days earlier as well, and Lively II had his welcome to the NBA moment in his second-ever preseason game when Rudy Gobert dunked on him in the second quarter. Lively II didn't have the best start, but he quickly adapted.

Lively II ignites Mavericks-Timberwolves rivalry with Gobert roast

Lively II became an invaluable piece for Dallas within a few weeks of the regular season beginning, and he was a crucial role player during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He ended up having a great series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Gobert, and the Mavs' rivalry with Minnesota just got more intense.

On Nike EYBL's Free Game, Lively II was asked by a camper "Is it true they play whoever makes more money?"

Theo Pinson then brought up the Western Conference Finals series against Minnesota and how there was "zero reason" Gobert should have been on the floor. Lively II doubled down on Pinson's take that Gobert shouldn't have been playing in that series by saying "zero."

Pinson then talked about how with Gobert making so much money, he has to be on the floor and figure it out. Lively II responded to that by saying "and he did not."

Lively II flaming Gobert ahead of next season is only going to intensify Dallas and Minnesota's new rivalry, and their first shot to play against each other is on Christmas Day at the American Airlines Center.

Dallas fans are already not fond of Gobert, and he and Luka Doncic always seem to be throwing some trash talk at one another stemming back to at least the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Doncic schooled Gobert in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals and drilled a game-winning three over him which was followed by plenty of trash talk, and the Mavs went on to win two of the next three games to advance to the NBA Finals.

All eyes will be on Doncic and Anthony Edwards, but the Lively II-Gobert matchup is something to keep an eye on as well. Two of the top rim protectors in the league will be going at it on national television, and after Lively II's comment, Gobert will be playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Fans are ecstatic to see Lively II take the floor again, as he has the potential to be one of the best centers in Mavs history. His ability to finish above the rim in the pick and roll and protect the rim is outstanding, and the sky is the limit for the young big man.