The 20-year old center uses his voice to help ‘anchor’ the Mavericks on the defensive end.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II celebrates after a dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Dallas.Throughout the night, a national audience received a glimpse of how Lively uses his voice to lead his teammates on the defensive end. It’s an intangible asset that doesn’t usually present itself in first- or second-year players.
Those are just a few examples of Lively’s vocal presence, which he developed at Westtown School about 20 miles west of Philadelphia. His mother, Kathy Drysdale,“My mom always taught me to be vocal on the floor so everything goes smoothly,” Lively said. “No matter if you’re out there talking about what you’re going to eat or just talking to your teammates.
No matter if it’s in a halfcourt or transition defensive situation, Lively’s voice can be heard. He encourages his teammates after successful plays. He accepts accountability for defensive lapses and miscommunication. On the bench, he’s often the loudest cheerleader.Lively is the Mavericks’ youngest player with less than two months before his 21st birthday. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd appreciates his dedication to being one of the main communicators on the team.
“That’s just half the story,” Kidd said. “He’s a great teammate. He brings energy. ... He understands his role. To be a young kid and to play at the level that he’s playing right now, the future is extremely bright.”Lights-out Klay Thompson gets the last laugh in rematch against Golden State WarriorsMike is the Mavericks Beat Writer for The Dallas Morning News. Before his arrival at the DMN, he spent two seasons covering the Detroit Pistons at The Detroit News.
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