TRADE: Mavs trade 10+Bertans to OKC for Dereck Lively II

[SleepingHero]

Have no idea what you are talking about with the kick out. I've seen veteran NBA bigs do exactly that plenty of times. Criticizing a 19 year old in college for it is a bit odd. The only part of his game that is a true project is his offense. Nothing project like about his defense IMO, even though like any big prospect no matter how good there will be growing pains, mainly with foul trouble most likely. This might be the best scouting breakdown of his defensive skillset. Also interesting to note he had a calf injury to start the season, which obviously limited him athletically, which is partly why he had a very slow start to the season.

(87) DERECK LIVELY II SCOUTING REPORT | 2023 NBA Draft | Dallas Mavericks | Duke Blue Devils - YouTube

Specifically regarding the kick-out, I was questioning whether or not it was the best and most reproduceable play he could have made. On review, you could see he had the free dunk if he looked to score. He didn't. Instead he kicked it out and traded a 99% chance at 2 points for a ~35% chance at 3. Again, I wasn't saying it was a bad play but rather it wasn't the best play he could have made. Which points to his instincts on the offensive side or lackthereof and further adds evidence to how timid he is of an offensive player. 3 FGA attempts a game for a supposed top prospect is abnormally low. 

His rim defense is good and I said as such. But you can see him lose footwork and be off-balance when tasked to guard PnRs/perimeter sets. That's what NBA teams will be doing to get him off the floor. He also bites on fakes to try and get the block. That's going to lead to foul trouble and growing pains like you said. Both of those points are the reason I'm calling him a project. 

I didn't know about that injury. Definitely further provides prospective. To further clarify my position, I initially wrote the guy off as soon as the pick was made and called bloody murder at the FO for making that pick vs. taking a guy like Whitmore. I've since walked back that stance and opted to give him some time to grow although I'm pessimistic. I hope Lively lives up to his comps. It'd be better for everyone if he can rise to the occasion. Lets hope he can.