Dereck Lively II

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Rankings

Records

In just his second NBA season, Dereck Lively II has already achieved what many centers never do: starting in the NBA Finals as a rookie. His 74.7% field goal percentage in 2023-24 led the league and set a Mavericks franchise record for rookies. At Duke, he was one of only two freshmen nationally to average at least 2.0 blocks per game while shooting over 65% from the field. His rapid ascent from a five-star recruit to a Finals starter in under two years places him among a select group of modern big men.

AwardsLively was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2024. In high school, he earned McDonald's All-American honors and was named Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year in 2022. At Duke, he was selected to the ACC All-Defensive Team and ACC All-Freshman Team in 2023.

Rankings & Lists

247Sports Top Recruits

247Sports·2022

ESPN Top Centers

ESPN·2022

RSCI National Ranking

Recruiting Services Consensus Index·2022

Records & Feats

Highest field goal percentage by a Mavericks rookie

Career Milestone·2024

Shot 74.7% from the field in the 2023-24 season, the highest mark ever by a Dallas Mavericks rookie.

One of few rookies to start in the NBA Finals since 2000

Historic First·2024

Started all five games of the 2024 NBA Finals for the Mavericks, joining a short list of rookies to start in the Finals this century.