Dereck Lively II has had an incredible rookie season, headlined by an appearance in the NBA Finals as a core player for the Dallas Mavericks. Lively has been empowered to be a difference-maker despite his age, with the 20-year-old center giving head coach Jason Kidd credit for letting him fail and learn in games, calling him an amazing person and coach.
“He’s been one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He’s put me in positions where he’s expecting me to fail, and even if I fail, he’s gonna leave me in there to learn…Being able to have a coach like that who’s gonna make the players speak, and then say what he thinks, it’s an amazing process.”
Lively made it clear he doesn’t stand with the Kidd detractors who criticize his coaching.
“There’s been a lot of criticism of him, but I don’t understand why. I feel like he’s an amazing coach and an amazing person.”
Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II on Jason Kidd:
“He’s been one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He’s put me in positions where he’s expecting me to fail, and even if I fail, he’s gonna leave me in there to learn…Being able to have a coach like that who’s gonna make the players… pic.twitter.com/lSr3SdvQFu
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) June 2, 2024
Lively averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in his rookie season and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. While many fans were upset that Lively’s winning contributions were ignored in favor of the statistics others put up, the Mavericks’ center is having the last laugh as he prepares to make his NBA Finals debut.
The Mavs went 35-20 in games with Lively available over the season. He’s a do-it-all big on defense and has already made leaps and bounds with his offensive skill set, excelling as a lob threat and rim finisher but also a short-roll passer.
Dereck Lively Looks Ahead To Facing The Celtics In The Finals
With a week’s rest after the Mavericks’ 4-1 series win in the Conference Finals, Lively has plenty of time to get ready for the challenge the Celtics present in the NBA Finals.
Jayson Tatum is going to be one of the keys if the Celtics want to win the title. Lively shares a relationship with Tatum as both are former Duke Blue Devils, with Lively revealing he often met Tatum in college and is excited to face him in the Finals.
“Full circle. I have seen him whenever I’m back at college, even before college. Now going up against him. He’s an amazing player. They are an amazing team.”
Lively opened up on the Celtics’ matchup, showing his self-awareness about his own status as a rookie in the NBA while maintaining he can still be impactful.
“I’m excited. When you go up against such a great team, I know I’m gonna fail. But being able to adapt to things that I’m failing is something I’m looking forward to. Going out there, making a mistake, learning, and rectifying that mistake.”
"He’s an amazing player. [The Celtics are] an amazing team… I know I'm gonna fail. But being able to adapt to things that I'm failing is something I'm looking forward to."
Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II on playing against Jayson Tatum in the NBA Finals 🗣️
(via @JoeyMistretta_) pic.twitter.com/OUBAmyWEDR
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 3, 2024
Lively is coming off a sensational series against the Timberwolves, where the Mavericks won all four games he played in and lost the one game Lively missed with a neck sprain. He went 16/16 from the field over the series, averaging 9.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks.
The former Duke Blue Devil is averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in the Playoffs. He has emerged as the Mavs’ X-factor through this Playoff run, leading the team in plus/minus with the eye test matching it as well.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
