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Dallas Mavericks supporters were pleasantly surprised to witness Dereck Lively II dribble the length of the court and score during Monday’s preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies.
For the 7-foot-1 center in his second year, this play showcased just a glimpse of the improvements he’s made over the summer to elevate his game. This development is poised to significantly influence his performance this season.
“I’ve been honing my skills, whether that involves dribbling the ball, playing from the pocket, or positioning myself in the short corner,” Lively shared following Tuesday’s practice. “I’ve been striving to broaden my game as much as I can.
“I take every opportunity to demonstrate my abilities; just sit back and enjoy the show. However, I’m not out here forcing shots or possessions because I’m surrounded by a wonderful team.”
Coach Jason Kidd thoroughly appreciated Lively’s impressive basket that he executed against the Grizzlies.
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“He performed excellently,” said Kidd. “In practice, he’s demonstrating that he possesses the skill set necessary to alleviate pressure with his dribble.
“We’ll observe how that evolves as training camp progresses, allowing him to handle the ball (up the court) and help us get organized.”
Lively is clearly ready to showcase various elements of his game.
“Whenever I find the opportunity to shine or put the ball on the ground and drive to the basket, I will take it,” he stated. “However, I won’t try to do it every single possession, as that’s not our style of play, nor is it the approach that will lead us back to the (NBA) Finals.”
While that may be true, having Lively significantly enhance his skills should be beneficial for the Mavs.
“I believe my touch around the rim—whether it’s a hook shot with my left or right hand, a floater, or a little push shot—has improved substantially, and…
gotten significantly better,” Lively stated. “I feel more in control, more balanced, and I’m much more at ease.”
After a rookie season during which he averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 23.9 minutes, Lively dedicated considerable effort in the offseason collaborating with assistant coach Sean Sweeney. What were the outcomes?
“The work is showing results,” Lively remarked. “Being in a position where I can make the most of my time and focus on getting my shots up, I just want to express my gratitude to Sean Sweeney.”
“He’s been a great source of motivation for me. He has pushed me harder than any other coach. Whether it involves ball handling, shooting touch, or three-pointers, he’s been the most demanding coach I’ve had.”
Sweeney’s additional motivation evidently paid off, as Lively concluded Monday’s preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies, which ended in a 121-116 loss, with 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, all in just 14 minutes off the bench. He also managed to hit every shot he took, ending up 5-for-5 from the field.
“I believe I’ve experienced the most growth in my game and have been expanding my skills as much as possible,” Lively explained. “Seeing all the workouts you’ve completed translate into game performance motivates you to return and put in even more effort.”
Last season, Lively attempted and successfully made just one three-pointer—during Game 4 of the NBA Finals against Boston—and he has worked hard to improve that aspect of his game.
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“I definitely feel that I have become much more comfortable — revisiting my touch,” he stated. “Whether I begin near the front of the rim and gradually move out to the free throw line, and then take my time moving back to the three-point line, it’s about increasing my confidence.”
“Regardless of whether I’m shooting off rhythm or in rhythm, it’s essential to believe in the shot and remain focused.”
Regarding personal goals for the upcoming season, Lively aims to improve on his free throw shooting, which was at 50.6 percent last season. He also intends to become “more reliable in playing out of the pick-and-roll, whether that involves making reads, driving to the basket, or creating opportunities for my teammates.”
He expressed a desire to eliminate “the minor errors I made last year — the small fouls, communication lapses, missed calls, or even blown rotations. My role is to be the team’s defensive anchor.”
“I want to ensure my teammates don’t have to be concerned about that aspect. I’m committed to fulfilling my responsibilities every single day.”
Lively dismissed the idea that the Mavericks face heightened expectations to return to the NBA Finals after acquiring several key players this offseason, including Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and“`html
HARDY’S GROWTH: Coach Jason Kidd appreciates the evolution of Jaden Hardy’s skills over the years.
The 6-foot-4 third-year guard averaged 8.8 points in 14.8 minutes during his rookie season two years ago, followed by 7.3 points in 13.5 minutes last season.
“When discussing Hardy’s development, it’s clear that he has improved each year,” Kidd stated. “He arrived as a scorer and has maintained that role.”
“He is capable of scoring and shooting, and now he has also developed playmaking skills. We observed this in last year’s playoffs during the Oklahoma City and Minnesota series. We needed someone to hit crucial shots, and Hardy stepped up for us. Now, we’re focusing on his decision-making as a playmaker, and he is excelling in“`html
He has dedicated considerable effort this summer to enhance his game, which positions him as one of the key players in our rotation.
“We won’t stifle his scoring talent. He possesses the ability to score and shoot effectively, and he does so without fear. Furthermore, he has demonstrated that he can share the court with Luka (Dončić) and (Kyrie Irving) in critical moments. Defensively, he’s capable of guarding the ball. Over the past three years, he has made significant progress, and we anticipate a substantial leap in his performance this season.”
BRIEFLY: Following the announcement by Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall regarding her retirement on December 31, coach Jason Kidd remarked: “Today’s news about Cynt’s retirement is impactful – she has been wonderful to me. As a former Golden Bear from the University of California, she will be greatly missed. The contributions she has made to this franchise are monumental, and I wish her all the best in her retirement, but her absence will be felt.”. .The Mavs have waived guard A. J. Lawson as of Tuesday. Across 56 games over the past two seasons with the team, Lawson averaged 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.5 minutes played. “A. J. has been an asset to us,” said coach Jason Kidd.
There are some other players who are experiencing soreness, which is why we decided to keep them out of practice.
X: @DwainPrice
Dereck Lively II Shines in Pre-Season Opener, Showcasing Improved Skills for Dallas Mavericks
Overview of Dereck Lively II’s Performance
In the Dallas Mavericks’ pre-season opener, Dereck Lively II showcased his enhanced skills and newfound confidence on the court, making a strong case for his role as a key player this season. This second-year center, who impressed fans and analysts alike during his rookie season, demonstrated significant improvements that could set him apart as one of the best young big men in the NBA.
Key Improvements Observed
Lively’s pre-season performance highlighted several areas where he has made noticeable improvements:
- Scoring Ability: His offensive game has transformed, with a refined shooting touch and better footwork in the post.
- Defensive Skills: Lively showed off his shot-blocking prowess, making it difficult for opponents to attack the rim.
- Rebounding: He displayed aggressive rebounding techniques, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
- Playmaking: His ability to read the game and make quick decisions has improved, allowing him to create opportunities for teammates.
Statistics from the Pre-Season Opener
In the pre-season opener, Lively achieved notable statistics that emphasize his growth and potential:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 18 |
| Rebounds | 11 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 |
| Shooting Percentage | 65% |
Analysis of His Impact on the Mavericks
Dereck Lively II’s improved performance could have a significant impact on the Dallas Mavericks this season. Here are some ways his contributions can enhance the team:
- Defensive Anchor: With Lively’s shot-blocking ability, the Mavericks can bolster their defense, making it tougher for opponents to score inside.
- Offensive Versatility: His ability to score both in the paint and from mid-range adds versatility to the Mavericks’ offensive schemes.
- Improved Team Chemistry: As Lively develops rapport with star players like Luka Dončić, the Mavericks’ offensive efficiency can improve, resulting in more wins.
Benefits of Dereck Lively II’s Growth
The improvements shown by Lively can lead to several benefits for the Mavericks:
- Increased Depth: A strong performance from Lively creates depth in the frontcourt, allowing the Mavericks to manage player minutes more effectively.
- Future Trade Value: As Lively continues to develop, his trade value could increase, providing the Mavericks with options for future roster moves.
- Fan Engagement: Lively’s exciting play style and potential stardom can enhance fan engagement, drawing larger crowds and increasing team support.
Comparative Case Studies
To understand the potential trajectory of Dereck Lively II, we can look at other young big men in the league who have experienced similar growth:
| Player | Current Team | Second-Year Stats | Impact on Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Memphis Grizzlies | 16 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 BPG | Defensive leader, All-Star |
| Mitchell Robinson | New York Knicks | 9 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 BPG | Key defensive presence |
| Deandre Ayton | Portland Trail Blazers | 18 PPG, 10 RPG | Offensive and defensive anchor |
These players serve as benchmarks for Lively, illustrating the potential impact a young big man can have on a franchise.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Lively’s Potential
For the Dallas Mavericks to maximize Dereck Lively II’s talent, here are some practical tips:
- Utilize Pick-and-Roll: Incorporating Lively in pick-and-roll situations will capitalize on his mobility and finishing ability.
- Focus on Conditioning: Ensuring Lively maintains peak physical condition will enhance his stamina throughout the long season.
- Encourage Off-Season Work: Continued development during the off-season, focusing on shooting and footwork, will be essential for his growth.
Conclusion
Dereck Lively II’s performance in the pre-season opener is a promising indication of his potential as a cornerstone for the Dallas Mavericks. His improved skills and overall gameplay suggest that he could become one of the league’s premier young big men, contributing significantly to the Mavericks’ success in the coming season.
