Offensive Game
Primarily a lob threat and putback finisher. Has shown flashes of a developing face-up game but remains a catch-and-finish scorer around the rim in his second year.
Career Journey
Dallas Mavericks
2023-present
2023 NBA Draft
Selected 12th overall by Dallas Mavericks
2024 NBA Finals
Started in NBA Finals as a rookie — youngest Mavs Finals starter
Career Earnings
~$12M
Estimated total NBA career salary
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 7 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 61.1% | 0.0% |
Dereck Lively II is a mobile, rim-protecting center whose lob-catching and defensive activity made an immediate impact for the Dallas Mavericks. The 12th overall pick in 2023 out of Duke, he arrived as an elite screen-and-roll finisher and shot-blocker, playing a key role as a rookie before injuries began to interrupt his development. His 2025-26 season was limited to just seven games by season-ending foot surgery. When healthy, the athletic 7-footer is a vertical threat who finishes lobs, protects the rim and switches on the perimeter — a high-upside center Dallas is counting on once durability follows the talent.
Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Offensive Game
Primarily a lob threat and putback finisher. Has shown flashes of a developing face-up game but remains a catch-and-finish scorer around the rim in his second year.
Defensive Game
Exceptional shot-blocker and rim protector. Outstanding wingspan and timing make him one of the best defensive centers in his draft class. Communicates well in defensive rotations.
Intangibles
Advanced for his age in understanding defensive positioning and where to be to protect the rim. Offensive IQ is still developing — shows excellent instincts in pick-and-roll defense.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Single
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Youth basketball programs in the Philadelphia area
Did You Know?
Lively stands 7-foot-1 with an exceptional wingspan that gives him one of the most physically intimidating defensive profiles of any young center in the NBA.
He was the top-ranked center in his recruiting class and a top-5 recruit nationally, choosing Duke over multiple top programs including Kentucky and North Carolina.
In his rookie season, Lively established himself as one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA — shooting over 70% from the field by staying within his range and dominating around the rim.
He is just the second Maverick ever drafted in the lottery as a center — part of the franchise's deliberate strategy to build their defensive foundation from the inside out.
Career Honors
2023 NBA Draft #12 Overall Pick
Dallas Mavericks All-Time Field Goal Percentage Leader (active career)
Official Jerseys
59.99
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249.99
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763.99
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161.24
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93.00
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699.99
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59.99
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79.99
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152.00
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