Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II has commanded a significant buzz amid his development, placing him at the forefront of the starting center competition.
near the beginning of their preseason schedule, the starting center position is among various roles that remain one to monitor. There is a growing buzz about rookie
"It just makes me know that I have to take my job as seriously as possible and to make sure that if they trust me to do this, I have to give them a reason to," Lively said."I have to make sure that I'm holding my head high. I have to make sure that every time I step on the floor, I have to be a defensive force to back up everybody. So that's just a mentality, which will be a factor of stepping in each game.
"I just want to be the most coachable player on the floor," Lively said."I want to learn. I want to get better. You know, I want to win games. I'm not going to go out there chasing a title. I'm glad they're chasing wins, and the wins will give me those titles." Among the various resources at Lively's disposal is the guidance of assistant coach Tyson Chandler, who many compared Lively to early on. Chandler often worked with Lively throughout the Summer League preparation process and while the team was in Las Vegas. His assistance in Lively's development has only continued in the past few months as the rookie prepares for his first NBA season.
Richaun Holmes played with Chandler when they were teammates on the Phoenix Suns in 2018. Holmes sees why the comparison continues to be made between the two, highlighting Lively's movement patterns as a key reason. There is no better crash course for a rookie to adjust to the NBA game than to play against live competition. Against his Mavs teammates, Lively already feels a better grasp of the value of pace and being efficient with movement to cover ground and when making moves. The help of his veteran teammates has only benefited him.
While gaining familiarity is important, a benefit for Lively of playing alongside Doncic and Irving throughout training camp is the added focus on teaching points that arise. Lively understands that knowing how his teammates approach the game sooner rather than later only helps maximize the impact of the unit as a whole.
Lively and Doncic are already building a connection, particularly in pick-and-roll actions. The methodical pace that Doncic plays with requires the big to have the proper timing to maximize the advantages created by the superstar playmaker, forcing the pick-and-roll defenders and weak-side low-man to make commitments.
Regarding building chemistry with Irving, Lively feels he's already getting the hang of things. Irving's leadership with inventive on-court communication has only helped Lively to accelerate the acclimation process that comes with initially getting ready to compete at the NBA level. Lively has already witnessed the results of the wisdom of his superstar teammates and has embraced being a beneficiary of the knowledge.
"Definitely learning his timing, knowing that he could get around a defender without a doubt, and then once that happens, he's behind his defender, the only thing that will stop him is if two people come over to help, not just one because he has an unbelievable ability to finish," Lively said."I know exactly where I can play in my sweet spot, knowing I'm right there if he needs to bail out. And if he's putting a shot up, I have a putback if he misses.
"It's going to be a learning process," Powell said of Lively."I think he has the right mentality to pick it up very quickly, probably quicker than most bigs, with his motor, athleticism, and ability to move his feet, but most of all, his mind. He's hungry to learn. He's spending time with coaches and vets, focusing on technique, which is the biggest thing. He's going to pick it up faster than people.
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