Dereck Lively II

Overview: Dereck Lively is a mobile Stretch Big who is also a capable rim protector.  Lively doesn’t measure up statistically to other draftable bigs in his class.  Despite a slow start, combined with a questionable fit at Duke, Lively came on strong especially from the defensive end.  He will need to add size to his frame, like most young players, however his efficient 3 point shooting should not surprise anyone who saw him play in high school and especially during the EYBL where his team won Peach Jam. Lively is going to be a productive player with a long career (barring injury). to come

NBA Role: Stretch Big

Offense: 

Dereck Lively II had a rather limited role on a stack Duke team, at least on paper.  He only averaged 20.6 minutes per game which limited his opportunities to put up greater numbers.  Despite the small sample size Lively was an efficient finisher at the rim and was effective in P/R ball action.  Despite his role, Lively II somehow was able to finish efficiently at the rim but not draw many fouls (30% FTr%) compared to other bigs.  Neither his True Shooting nor his eFG were affected by his abysmal three point shooting (15% 3FG%).

Lively II’s NBA value will come if his late season performance is representative of his ability to score.  And if you believe in his shooting stroke to stretch the floor?   Or is his early season performance a better representation of what to expect from Lively II at NBA level.  That said, given his dominant versatility in scoring at EYBL; P/R roller, corner three shooter, high point lob finisher with some flashes of advanced passes, combined with efficient three point shooting – Lively II has a high ceiling, much higher than his performance at Duke suggests.

Lively II has the tools to be a Stretch Big although his numbers belie the assessment.  Lively II is good at the plays Stretch Bigs are expected to succeed in; be mobile in transition, bring energy on the offensive glass, be a lob threat in P/R, make smart and timely cuts on the second side. Lively is good or excellent in all of those categories.

Assists and decision making

Lively II has shot making skills.  Even with his limited playing time he still averages in Assists half the time of most drafted bigs.  Plus, he minimized turnovers within his limited role.  His assist/turnover ratio is very good. 

Rebounding and defense

Rebounding, Lively II really came on in the second half of the season.  His overall defensive motor improved and he played more minutes compared to the beginning of the season.   The first ten games he averaged just 3.2 RBS while in the last ten games he averaged 7.2 RBS.  

Defense

Defensively, Lively II really came on in the second half of the season.  While his relatively low steals average he was a difference maker when given the opportunity.  This was especially true in blocks, very important for his role as an additional rim protector.  Lively showed outstanding feel and motor in protecting the rim.  In the first ten games he averaged 1.5 BLK while the last ten games he averaged 2.7 BLK.  Knowing when to come over and get a weak side block versus when to stay home is important especially in order to avoid fouling.  Lively II was excellent in this area which will while likely be his floor as an NBA player.

Prediction: Late first round