The Center position has once again reclaimed its spot. Nikola Jokic’s triumphs signify the resurgence of the position. Both the NBA Finals MVP and Regular Season MVP awards belonged to Centers. Multi-dimensional bigs Jokic and Embiid are prime examples of the 7-footers dominating the game through shooting and post-play. Therefore, teams now require strong big men to defend such quality. Apart from that, they need someone who is more than just a defender to balance the scales even a bit.

For the Mavericks, the Center conundrum has been almost a decade old now. They haven’t been able to land a Center that can provide a counter-balance against threatening big men. In that wake, this season’s number 12 pick Dereck Lively II is next in line to prove himself from there. Can he lift this Center-starved franchise to new heights?

Dereck Lively II set high expectations

Drafted this year, Lively II had a great resume even before entering college. As per major scouts, the 7’1” Center was a five-star recruit and his athletic props impressed them. Therefore, when he graduated from Westtown High School, expectations were sky-high. Of course, he picked a prestigious program like Duke to further his journey. Just last year, he appeared in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

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He was a proven player and had to elevate his game in college. While the defensive chops earned him 2023 ACC All-Defensive First Team honors, the offensive side paled in comparison. He averaged just 5.4 points. Moreover, the rebounding average of 5.0 also doesn’t look impressive considering the hype he generated upon entering the college ranks. However, the defensive dynamo did make strides during the summer. During Summer League, he looked like a 10-10 points-rebounds type of player.

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His athleticism did look off the charts and showed a great tendency to hustle, using his wiry frame well. He and another rookie, Oliver-Maxence Prosper, have made quite an impression on him. He played tough defense, and that is why coach Jason Kidd has decided to make him a starter for the NBA Preseason Abu Dhabi games against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That’s why it is no surprise that before the game, he found himself in the starting lineup. Will he make the next jump?

Huge opportunity for the young Center

This is a golden opportunity for the Westtown High School graduate. He has a great chance of nabbing a starting spot just in his rookie year. If things click and he gives Kidd the production he wants, then his growth chart can be through the roof. Perhaps, learning from Dwight Powell, who has been a Center for the team for a long time, can serve as a decisive experience too. While Powell may not start, he can help the rookie through the rigors of a long NBA season.

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