In a strategic move that sparked considerable debate, the Dallas Mavericks opted to bench stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving towards the end of the previous NBA season, despite being in contention for a play-in spot. Critics were vocal, with reports circulating about Doncic’s dissatisfaction over the decision to “pull the plug.” The underlying motive was clear: the Mavericks aimed to preserve their top-10 protected draft pick, which risked being forfeited to the Knicks if their standing improved.
Dallas Mavericks Have Drafted a Future Star
This controversial decision paid off spectacularly for Dallas when they used their draft pick to secure Dereck Lively II from Duke University, selecting him with the No. 12 overall pick, acquired via a trade with the Thunder. Lively’s rookie season stats—averaging 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds—earned him an All-Rookie second-team honor, signaling his potential as a significant asset for the team.
A Historic Performance in the Western Conference Finals
The real testament to Lively’s impact came during the Mavericks’ overwhelming 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Lively’s performance was nothing short of historic, achieving a perfect shooting record by converting all 16 of his field goal attempts throughout the series. This feat marked him as the first player in NBA playoff history to maintain a 100% field goal percentage with such a number of attempts.
Dereck Lively II Joins Elite Rookie Company
With his finals-bound trajectory, Lively is poised to join an elite group of NBA rookies who have played in the NBA Finals, a list that includes legends like Magic Johnson and contemporaries like Tyler Herro. His remarkable entry into this circle highlights not only his skill but also the strategic foresight of the Mavericks’ management in fostering young talent.
Dereck Lively II’s journey from a strategic draft pick to making NBA postseason history is a compelling story of patience, precision, and payoff. His historic performance not only silences critics but also sets the stage for what basketball enthusiasts can expect from this promising young star in the seasons to come. As the Mavericks gear up for the NBA Finals, all eyes will be on Lively, a rookie who has already carved out a record-breaking niche in basketball history.
Source- Yardbarker
