Dereck Lively II set to become most dominant center in Mavericks history

Lorenzo Almanza

Dallas Mavericks, Dereck Lively II / Tim Heitman/GettyImages

The Dallas Mavericks had one of their most dominant runs in franchise history last season. The team made the NBA Finals, as it was the third time they had become Western Conference Champions. Dallas also completed a second-half turnout due in part to new players.

The evolution of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving also played a key role. The dynamic duo continued to build upon their relationship as they spent quality time together off the court, which led to productive scoring. For example, in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas duo combined for 72 points while shooting 50 percent from the 3-point line.

However, one big reason for Dallas' deep playoff run was Dereck Lively II's evolution and growth. The former rookie took major strides in his first NBA season, and his production helped Dallas find the center of the future.

Lively II set to become most dominant center in Mavericks history

Lively II started 42 of 55 games he played in for the Mavericks. He averaged 8.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game as a member of the team's starting rotation. His numbers were equivalent to his status off the bench. He averaged 9.4 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks off the bench.

Lively II's potential is reaching an all-time high. He played a key role in helping the Mavs make a deep run in the playoffs. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder Lively II averaged 10.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game over a four-game stretch. He scored 12 points and 15 rebounds in the team's closing Game 6. Lively II demonstrated growth in the finals when he had back-to-back games of 11 points and 12 rebounds.

It's without question he can become one of the top centers in Dallas' history. He has the intangibles to be placed with some of the greats. For starters, Lively II is one of the top rim protectors the Mavs have ever seen. At 7-foot-1 he can post up inside, finish dunks, and tip in missed shots. Last season, he averaged 1.8 lob conversions per game.

Defensively, he is a great rim protector who can make things difficult inside. He does a great job of blocking shots ahead or in front of him. His big frame can also force opponents into tough shots. His toughness and athleticism make him an instant game-changer.

Another eye-opener is his potential ability to knock 3-point shots in the future. Mavs fans caught a glimpse of this in the finals when he knocked down a long-range attempt in Game 4. Lively's 3-point shooting is something he has been working on this offseason.

If he were to become a legitimate 3-point shooter, then Lively II would for sure be put into the team's hierarchy of past centers.

Lively II is on the path to greatness. Only time will tell if he will pass his current mentor, Tyson Chandler.

Lorenzo Almanza

Lorenzo Almanza is a contributing writer for the Smoking Cuban where he has been covering the Dallas Mavericks since their infamous playoff run during the 2023-24 season. He currently holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Texas State University and has used his platform to expand sports coverage to various audiences. His previous work has been featured on big networks such as Sports Illustrated and USA Today. He also writes for a Latino magazine, as he transcribes/writes features about famous and successful Latinos. Lorenzo is a reporter for the Irving Rambler, where he does coverage for the Northwest side of Dallas. In his spare time, he loves playing NBA 2K, teaching, and spending quality time with his wife and cat.