Predicting Dallas Mavericks stat leaders for 2023-24 season

Steals per game leader - Josh Green

Finally, a non-Luka Doncic projected stat leader. Here comes the most active perimeter defender on the roster, Josh Green.

As of now, it's shaping up to be Green's first season as an opening-day starter. He's started two of the four preseason games and played extremely well on Friday night.

The 22-year-old is entering a make-or-break season. He's improved in every season he's been in the league but has yet to scrape his high ceiling. Green has wowed with his athleticism and relentless motor. However, he has looked passive on offense thus far in his career.

Even though Green is a nominal offensive contributor, the Mavs will lean on his perimeter defense. With Doncic and Kyrie Irving starting the backcourt, Green will spend a lot of time defending the opposing team's best guard or wing.

In his short career, Green has never averaged more than a steal per game. His career high occurred last season, when the youngster averaged 0.7 steals per contest.

With more time on the floor, Green should average more than a steal per game. In his lone collegiate season in 2019-20, he averaged 1.5 steals per game for the Arizona Wildcats. Look for Green to nearly replicate those numbers this season with the Mavs.

Green's projected steals per game: 1.4

Blocks per game leader - Dereck Lively II

The only rookie on the list, Dereck Lively II is the safest bet to average the most blocks per game. While playing for the Blue Devils last season, he averaged an astounding 2.4 blocks per game.

Perhaps more mind-boggling, Lively II averaged that many swats in only 20.4 minutes of action per game. On a per-40-minute basis, the new Dallas big man averaged 4.7 blocks.

Lively II's size, length, and athleticism tell you all you need to know about his shot-blocking ability. He stands 7-foot-1 and has a 7-foot-7 wingspan. And unlike many bigs, the former Blue Devil is nimble with great verticality.

The No. 12 overall selection may not average multiple blocks per game due to minute constraints, but it's easy to foresee more than a block per game from Lively II.

Throughout the preseason, Lively II has averaged 1.8 blocks per game. An average no Maverick has touched since the 2019-20 season.

Lively II's projected blocks per game: 1.6