When you’re in the meat of the Luka Dončić era, it would be a big stretch to say the Mavericks are starting a new chapter in their history book.
But the Dereck Lively story is beginning. And it’s OK to be a little giddy about the prospects of the 7-1 19-year-old as he begins his rookie season.
He’s the highest draft pick the Mavericks have had joining the team since Luka. And he’s got the physical tools to be the sort of center that will fit with the new normal of big men.
That is, he can shoot from distance, but still be the rim protector that every team desires.
And he might have something in common with Luka.
Lively may be walking right into a starting position from the first game in his career, just as Luka did in 2018. He is listed as the tentative starter at center going into the season opener against San Antonio Wednesday.
“It’s exciting to have that opportunity that’s in front of him,” coach Jason Kidd said. “To be able to participate since Day One is pretty cool. It shows his talent level, his willingness to work and since summer league to the first day of training camp, he got better. And then since the first day of training camp to the last day, he’s gotten better.”
And did we mention he’s only 19 years old. And not really close to his 20th birthday yet, either (Feb. 12).
So does he act like he’s older than his years would indicate?
“All the time, actually,” said Maxi Kleber. “I would never have expected that he’s 19.”
If, as expected, Lively is in the starting lineup, he’ll be just the fifth draft pick since 2000 to start on opening night for the Mavericks.
The others were: Dončić in 2018, Dennis Smith Jr. in 2017, Devin Harris in 2004 and Eduardo Najera in 2000.
So having an impactful rookie isn’t something that comes along very often, which makes Lively worth toasting.
And take it from one of the ones who came before Lively. The big man is taking a fast track to an impactful role.
“Honestly, from the first day to now, he improved a lot already,” Dončić said. “He’s really good. I like him very much. Yesterday he was talking (trash) in practice. So after practice I made sure (to tell him) I like it, and let’s do in the games the same. Practice and games are different.
“But no, outside all the jokes, he’s been amazing. The way he follows you, rebounds the ball – he’s doing all the little things and that’s important for a rookie.”
And the kudos are universal, so far.
“He’s doing a phenomenal job,” said Grant Williams. “Lively, he’s a rookie. There are going to be times when he’ll make a mistake or be out of position. But having him on the court allows us to have a vertical presence that not many people can offer. His ability to impact shots at the rim and also pace of play running up the floor really helps us.
“So in order for us to be really successful, we need him to take a big leap and continue the development that he’s on pace for.”
To illustrate the rapid growth curve Lively has been on since he was drafted in July, Williams looked at the preseason games in Abu Dhabi against the Minnesota Timberwolves and 7-1 Rudy Gobert.
“I feel like that first game against Gobert, you could tell he was a rookie,” Williams said. “And that following game, when he got to play him again, it was a different story. He played with more physicality and we got more on the rebounding end.”
“He plays with great energy, but we have to ask for the mental growth from him, whether it’s watching film or actually walking through the training the mental side. That’s the next development for him. And he has the ability to do it. And we’re going to challenge him to do it. Because we need him. We’re going to hold him to a high standard.”
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