Dereck Lively II return from foot surgery puts the Mavericks on track to lean into his rim-protecting, transition-grade ceiling. At 7’1” with a 7’7” wingspan, he already flashed defensive atery and enough finishing ability to anchor Dallas’s interior. With full health entering training camp, the 21-year-old is in line to anchor a Dallas defense and push toward an elite tier at center as he grows into a keystone piece.

Anthony Davis’s addition reshapes the ceiling and the floor. Pairing Davis with Lively could yield one of the league’s most disruptive frontcourts, erasing mistakes and clogging the paint while enabling faster transition scoring. The dynamic offers Lively daily tutelage under one of the game’s premier defenders, potentially cementing a future defensive identity for Dallas and boosting postseason viability.

Healthy, developed, and surrounded by defensive versatility, Lively isn’t just a project—he could become a cornerstone whose impact ripples across Dallas’s lineup and heading into the next NBA season.

Dallas 2025-26 blends veteran milestone chases with a fresh, high upside rookie in Cooper Flagg. Anthony Davis sits just 22 points from 19,000 and could hit 20,000 early, while also chasing 9,000 boards and 2,000 blocks if health holds. Flagg enters as a record‑watch rookie, with potential to snoop at youngest‑to‑achieve marks like 30‑point games or early triple‑doubles. Across the roster, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry loom as multi‑decade 3‑point moguls, joined by James Harden and Damian Lillard as veteran risk‑reward paths to 3,000 career triples. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving anchor the Mavericks’ offense, with Dereck Lively II and P.J. Washington positioned for near‑milestone seasons. LeBron James and the broader league benchmarks provide a yardstick for pace and usage. In a crowded West, minutes and opportunities will swing deadlines and fantasy counts as these milestone races unfold.

In a stunning turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks secured the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, surprising many with their selection of Duke superstar Cooper Flagg. This choice not only brings excitement to the Mavs' fanbase but also offers a fresh start following the tumultuous Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade earlier this year. Teammates are rallying around Flagg, particularly center Dereck Lively II, who is taking on a leadership role despite being relatively new to the league himself.

Lively, who previously earned accolades as a member of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, has expressed his commitment to helping Flagg adapt to professional basketball. His mentorship is viewed as crucial for Flagg's development, especially as the Mavericks aim for a brighter future under Coach Jason Kidd. Lively's emphasis on community and genuine connection with fans is also evident, showcasing the Mavericks' commitment to being role models both on and off the court.

Dereck Lively II, a rising star for the Dallas Mavericks, is stepping up to mentor rookie Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg, the consensus national college player of the year, averaged impressive stats at Duke, making him a highly anticipated prospect. Lively expressed his excitement to welcome Flagg, sharing insights from his own rookie experience to help ease Flagg's transition. Coach Jason Kidd believes Flagg is in a perfect situation among a mix of veterans and young talent, positioning him to contribute immediately.

Flagg showcased his potential during the Summer League with an average of 20.5 points per game. Lively aims to ensure Flagg feels comfortable in his new environment, emphasizing the importance of keeping a light-hearted demeanor while navigating the pressures of professional basketball.