The Dallas Mavericks have most certainly turned around a corner ever since the preseason. Their newcomers have been contributing a lot to the table which has helped the Mavericks double up on success. Out of the entire lot, Dereck Lively II has stood out the most. Seems like Dallas doesn’t have much to worry about in the future either.
It’s been four games into their season and Dallas stands undefeated. Obviously, it is way too early to determine whether they’ll be competing for the title. However, they’re surely going to be a top-tier team by the end of the regular season. Lively II had an incredible game against the Chicago Bulls. His versatility was on full display and it seemed like he might give Nikola Jokic a run for his money. He had a couple of flawless passes during the game that had people impressed.
A 19-year-old 7-foot center should not be making these reads and passes in only his fourth career NBA game
The Mavs got a special one https://t.co/KUFoEJ2qWN pic.twitter.com/m7sgDVAAHM
— Coopz (@Coopz___) November 2, 2023
In 33 minutes, Dereck Lively II scored 7 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. While it wasn’t as good as his debut game, the Mavericks were assured that he’s a keeper. One thing is for sure, the Mavericks are playing very hard. They will be put to the ultimate test against the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena, on November 3, 2023.
Dereck Lively II claims his mother is the reason behind his strife for success
Dereck Lively II was a great player in college who averaged only 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Regardless of his performances, his determination to be great shone through it all. The 19-year-old played for a year at Duke University before declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. He was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. But they traded him to the Mavericks for Davis Bertans and the No.10 pick.
Lively had a beautiful story about why he wanted to become successful. The biggest reason happens to be his mother, Kathy Drysdale. Nearly ten years ago, Kathy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer. “My mom has been battling cancer since 2013, and before that, my dad passed away two years before. It just seemed like there’s been a lot of walls that seems like we can’t get around,” he said.
Based on what he witnessed her go through, he said, “So just to see where she’s at right now, right in front of me to be able to be here in this place, it just makes me want to work harder. It just makes me want to provide a life for her that’s better than anything she could possibly get for herself.” Dereck Lively Sr. passed away due to an unspecified overdose in 2011.
Whether it takes ages to conquer or he finds immediate success, Dereck Lively II is someone the Mavericks can rely on.