It's very, very rare for a rookie to play an important role in an NBA Finals. And yet, it is the fate of Derek Lively IIselected in 12th position in the 2023 Draft. From lottery pick to the NBA Finals, things can go quickly in one year, and the young interior has largely established itself in the Mavericks rotation and has even proven capable of producing in the playoffs.
Better still, the rookie was absolutely flawless on shots in the conference final against the Wolves and averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in the playoffs.
The impact of Derek Lively II is not just statistical, since he represents a deterrent weapon coming off the bench through his athletic qualities and his long segments. Hard to believe at the start of the season, but also in February when his managers put Daniel Gafford in his hands.
“We dream of it! I didn't expect to be in a final so quickly.”, he confides. “Having achieved this in my first year, I just want to learn as much as I can and progress as much as possible. »
“Learn” as a key word
With a +/- of +108 in the playoffs, Derek Lively II has the second best +/- of the Mavericks during these playoffs, behind only Kyrie Irving (+121). His impact in short sequences is impressive, and his room for improvement is enormous. With Tyson Chandler as a mentor, the leaders hit the nail on the head.
“I don't think any of us expected that.” admits Derek Lively II. “ I did not expect that. My mother didn't expect that. Tyson (Chandler) didn't expect that. Jason Kidd didn't expect it either. They expected me to come to the Mavericks and be there to learn. That's what I did, but they didn't expect me to learn so much and so quickly. »
Against the Celtics, Derek Lively II will be called upon since he will challenge the experienced Al Horford and undoubtedly Kristaps Porzingis. A real contrast in style against interiors that can play out wide. Without forgetting a certain Jayson Tatum, who came out of Duke like him.
“I watched it when I was in college. And now I'm going to play against him… He's an incredible player, it's an incredible team, I can't wait to play against them,” concludes the replacement pivot. “Against such a team, I will sometimes fail, but I should adapt to these things. If I make a mistake, I have to learn and correct it. »
