Injuries and uncertainty about his offensive role pushed the Dallas Mavericks center down the list.
Dereck Lively II was ranked No. 73 in ESPN’s annual list of the NBA’s top 100 players, falling 17 spots from a year ago after another season limited by injuries.
The 7-foot-1 averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 36 games last season. It marked the second straight year his availability was hampered, following a rookie campaign in which he played just 55 games.
Lively underwent offseason foot surgery on the same foot that suffered a stress fracture last year, raising questions about his durability as the Mavericks prepare for the new season.
Lively’s effectiveness without Luka Dončić is another concern. The big man had been one of the league’s premier lob finishers, but the departure of his All-NBA playmaker has created uncertainty around his offensive production.
ESPN emphasized both Lively’s ceiling and the challenges ahead.
“The Mavs believe that Lively, a springy 7-footer with the ability to protect the rim and guard on the perimeter, has the potential to develop into a Defensive Player of the Year,” Tim MacMahon wrote. “He’s a spectacular finisher who has dunked 207 of his 355 career buckets, but Lively likely won’t get as many lobs after Doncic’s departure.”
Even with the drop in ranking, Dallas continues to see Lively as a cornerstone of its long-term defense. His availability will be critical if the Mavericks are to meet expectations in a season centered around Anthony Davis and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
There are some key questions the Mavericks face regarding floor spacing when Lively shares the floor with Davis. While Lively generated buzz for his shooting at his pre-draft pro day, he has made one shot from beyond the arc in his career. Could Dallas deploy him at least as a standstill corner three-point shooter? That remains to be seen.
Lively must find a way to effectively complement Davis offensively whether he's spacing out or playing in the dunker spot. The Mavericks only played four games with Lively and Davis last season. With the extent of Davis' participation at training camp being in question after offseason eye surgery, the frontcourt tandem needs every rep it can get.