Dereck Lively II was named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second-Team on Monday while he continues to help guide the Dallas Mavericks to postseason success.
. Many felt he'd take time to develop, potentially requiring some time in the G League. He became an indispensable contributor before the regular season even began.
The impact Lively provides the Mavericks has completely changed the franchise. He's been an explosive lob threat and overall highly efficient play finisher. He's a smart decision-maker in short roll situations along with showing continually improving ability to handle scoring in those situations. He's a very talkative leader as a defensive anchor who does the dirty work with a lot of energy in the paint, crashing both the boarsd at a high level on offense and defense.
Part of the rookie experience involves the rookie wall that many talk about. Lively admitted he felt it in November or December given all of the adjustments that are required not just on the court, but regarding lifestyle. He clearly handled it well as he maintained an instrumental contributor. "I feel like it comes back to my mom's own saying, and this goes back to when I was a baby: sink or swim," Lively said. "You're going to be in high-intensity moments, do-or-die moments, as you could call them. You're either going to float, stay alive, and figure out how to learn and adapt, or you're going to sink and fall to the floor. No one wants to sink; everyone wants to stay afloat.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II Named to NBA All-Rookie Second TeamThe rookie out of Duke had a tremendous first season and has been rewarded for it
Read more »
Rookie Dereck Lively II Comes Up Huge as Mavericks Punch Ticket to Western ConferenceThe Mavericks needed every ounce of impact Lively II provided to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Read more »
Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II had a playoff debut after his mother’s deathLively’s mother Kathy Drysdale died on April 12, Lively had been away from the team in order to care for her,
Read more »
Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II Punished Thunder's 'Disrespect' at Free Throw LineDallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II was intentionally fouled frequently in clutch time before helping ice a Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Read more »
Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II Anchoring Improved Defense Against ClippersThe Dallas Mavericks center has been a force at the rim against the LA Clippers during the first round
Read more »
Dereck Lively II Hitting Heavy in Second Unit, Mavericks Eyeing AdvancementThe Dallas rookie has continued to provide quality play in his time on the floor off the bench, as the Mavericks are one step closer to advancing to the next round.
Read more »