The Dallas Mavericks didn’t just draft a young center two years ago—they invested in their future. Despite an injury-riddled sophomore season in 2024–25, 21-year-old Dereck Lively II showed flashes of being a franchise cornerstone. Now, following offseason surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right foot, Lively is back on track and expected to be fully healthy for training camp.
For a young big man, the ceiling is sky-high. At 7’1” with a 7’7” wingspan, Lively has already proven to be a defensive difference-maker. He alters shots at the rim, runs the floor with energy, and provides Dallas with a true anchor in the paint. While his sophomore year was disrupted by injuries, his presence when healthy was undeniable. The Mavericks’ defense consistently looked sharper with him on the court, and teammates praised his communication and willingness to do the dirty work.
With his talent, size, and now full health, Lively has the potential to be in the top-10 center conversation by the end of the upcoming NBA season. His ability to impact both ends—protecting the rim defensively while finishing lobs and cleaning the glass offensively—gives him a path to reach that elite level.
The key addition to his development? Playing next to Anthony Davis. Dallas’ blockbuster trade for the veteran star now pairs Lively with one of the greatest defensive players of this generation. Davis, who will begin the year at his natural power forward position, forms what could be the league’s best defensive frontcourt alongside Lively. The combination of Davis’s versatility and Lively’s length provides Dallas with a terrifying duo capable of erasing mistakes and locking down the paint against any opponent.
For Lively, the opportunity is priceless. Learning daily from Davis will sharpen his instincts, improve his timing, and push him to elevate his game. For Dallas, it could mean the foundation of a defensive identity strong enough to fuel a postseason run.
Lively may be coming off foot surgery, but by season’s end, he won’t just be seen as a promising young center. He’ll be recognized as one of the league’s best, anchoring the Mavericks’ defense and establishing himself as a cornerstone piece for the franchise’s future.
