NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Brandon Miller skyrockets, who falls?
By Jaren Boslow
![Jan 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) looks Jan 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) looks](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3542,h_1992,x_0,y_29/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/83/01hnnga8g8yhzck9pcrp.jpg)
4. Dereck Lively II
Last week's rank: 5
It's unfortunate when a player moves up the rankings due to injuries, but this is the case for Dallas' Dereck Lively II. Recently, Lively II has played amazingly alongside Luka Doncic. The 19-year-old has picked up right where he left off. However, future availability could be a concern for the Mavericks.
The former Blue Devil has now had multiple ankle injuries just months into his rookie season and more recently, was diagnosed with a broken nose. In the win against the Orlando Magic, Lively II was hit in the face by Wendell Carter Jr., who immediately grabbed his face in pain.
Since being diagnosed with the nose break, Lively II's availability has become a question mark. The 19-year-old has now missed two games in a row after his dominant performance against the Magic. Since his absence, length and rebounding have been on full display against the Mavericks.
The Mavericks are now 4-8 with Lively II out of the lineup after their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. With Lively II's most recent injuries, there is no timetable for his return. He is set to get his nose reset on Monday, so he could miss an extended amount of time.
The Mavericks' next set of games will be on the road against some of the best Eastern Conference teams. Tomorrow, they will play the Embiidless Philadelphia 76ers.