Is Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II worthy of being referred to as the NBA’s best defensive big? According to a member of the NBA Countdown crew, he is. Following the Mavericks season-opening victory over the Spurs this week, the countdown panel praised Lively for exerting impact and defensive prowess in the win. Kendrick Perkins spoke on where Lively stands in his position across the league.
Is Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II the NBA’s Best Defensive Big Man? Kendrick Perkins Says He Might Be
Flying Under the Radar
The Mavericks have a gem in their second-year player Lively. His potential was on full display last season, and he continued to impress in the Mavericks season opener against the San Antonio Spurs. Lively erupted in the playoffs last season and was an integral part of Dallas reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. The future of the Mavericks is undoubtedly bright, considering the presence of Luka Doncic. One of the reasons for signing Klay Thompson over the summer was to help propel the franchise back to the finals and win. While Doncic, Thompson, and Kyrie Irving are the focal points, Lively will play a significant role this season.
During ESPN’s NBA Countdown, former player and current NBA analyst Perkins lauded the Mavericks big man for his play against the Spurs. Additionally, Perkins went even further, labeling Lively as possibly the league’s best defensive big man.
“That damn Dereck Lively, a monster night, double double with six assists off the bench, and listen, it is so huge and so impactful when you have an athletic big that can be a lob threat and dunkers spot player.” Perkins continued by stating, “Defensively, he might be the best defensive big in the game. The way that he’s able to anchor that defense, cover pick-and-rolls, he had Victor Wembanyama in hell yesterday the way that he was guarding him. I’m telling you, that young man Dereck Lively is a needle mover.”
How Lively Can Be the Mavs Needle Mover
Whether Lively truly has reached the pedigree that Perkins bestowed on him is debatable. However, Lively is showing just how good he really is in the trenches underneath the basket. He’s also a significant energy boost to the Mavericks. Lively shows his passion often, and it gravitates to his teammates. If Lively is in the “needle mover” echelon for Dallas, he needs to put his efforts exactly where Perkins referenced: the defensive end.
With Daniel Gafford starting at center for the moment, Lively steps in behind him. Although, one could argue that Lively has done, or is doing, enough to start himself. Nevertheless, coming off the bench, Lively needs to continue to play aggressively. He is a threat offensively due to dunks and lobs, of course. However, his metal is forged at the other end. He showed last season that he can match up well against opposing centers, and judging by his performance against San Antonio, his double-double came from playing hard. He was solid against Victor Wembanyama and contributed to the Frenchman’s less-than-stellar night, out-rebounding him 11-9.
Is a Sixth Man of the Year award in Lively’s future? Gafford would have to continue playing well to secure his starting place throughout the year. Provided he does, Lively will continue to come off the bench. If he continues to play like he did on Thursday, he has everything he needs to win it. If he can establish himself as the league’s best defensive big, or one of them, as Perkins says he is, Lively could vie for the Sixth Man of the Year honor. He’ll have to keep putting up double-doubles along the way.
