Mavs Select Duke Standout Dereck Lively II with No. 12 Pick in NBA Draft
Mavs Add Length and Athleticism to Frontcourt
Lively II Poised to Make Immediate Impact
The Dallas Mavericks have selected Duke standout Dereck Lively II with the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Lively II, a 7-foot-1 center, is known for his length, athleticism, and defensive prowess. He is expected to provide the Mavs with a much-needed boost in the frontcourt.
Lively II was a key member of Duke's 2022 recruiting class, which was ranked No. 1 nationally. He averaged 8.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in his one season with the Blue Devils. Lively II was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and was a finalist for the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Mavs are betting on Lively II's potential to become a star in the NBA. He has the size, athleticism, and skillset to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor. Lively II is a skilled shot-blocker and rebounder, and he has the potential to develop into a reliable scorer.
The addition of Lively II gives the Mavs a young, talented frontcourt that includes Kristaps Porzingis, Maxi Kleber, and Jaden Hardy. Lively II is expected to compete for a starting role right away, and he could help the Mavs make a deep playoff run in the 2023-24 season.
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