The Dallas Mavericks are on high alert at this time. Their disappointing loss to the Utah Jazz became their fourth straight loss this season. It’s the longest losing streak they have had in 12 games thus far. Clearly, something has to change. “We gotta be better,” Jason Kidd bluntly said after the Jazz upset. The solution might be hidden in his previous rant, which was not safe for the ears.

“Somebody’s got to come with some f—ing energy. We’re f—ing flat,” he said after another one-point loss, this time to the Phoenix Suns. His ask was for the Mavericks to have a stable start. Currently, they average their lowest points in the first quarter. Moreover, their three-point efficiency is also catastrophic at 28.3%. It’s 6% lower than their season average.

Likewise, opponents have taken advantage of their sluggish starts. Opponents average close to 30 points in the opening quarter against the Mavericks. Hence, if scoring takes time, Kidd might benefit from adding an ‘energizer’ to slow down opponents. Tim McMahon feels it’s about time to promote sophomore center Dereck Lively II to the starting lineup to fill their void.

“Lively might be their best energy guy… If you’re looking for a spark in the starting lineup and K-Kidd has said Lively is going to get his chance. He’s back… Lively is back now and it would make sense now to maybe look at that change sooner than later,” he said on Hoop Collective about the possible way to fix the Mavericks.

Even as a rookie, Lively II became a pivotal part of the team that made it to the NBA Finals. His net differential of +4.7 ranked the second highest on the team. His offensive rebounding and energetic play impressed both Kidd and Doncic. But his trajectory had trended upward due to his desire to keep improving.

Dereck Lively II can be the solution for Jason Kidd

In the offseason, Dereck Lively II was seen working on his threes but his intent was to master the paint. His resolve managed to swoon Luka Doncic who heaped major praise on his mindset. “I knew he [Lively] was going to be this great and he keeps working, that’s after the first season he had, had a great season, but he didn’t stop working. He didn’t, he wasn’t satisfied. So that’s what I respect most about this kid,” he said.

The results of his drive are astonishing.

In eight games so far, the 20-year-old center has the best net differential on the squad. However, diving into depths brings out a clearer picture. With Dereck Lively III on the floor, the Mavericks have a defensive rating of 102.7 against 113.7 without him on the floor. Furthermore, his high work rate in just 22.4 minutes curbs the opponents greatly.

Opponents only shoot 42% from the floor when he is manning the paint. He also has the ability to be mobile while defending the paint. He is also versatile as a defender. Against forward, he is limiting them to shooting 35.5% from three, an indication of his command as a perimeter defender as well.

All signs point toward Dereck Lively II being the solution. His dynamic with Daniel Gafford is amazing due to their style of play being similar. However, in terms of energy and tenacity, the Mavs’ sophomore has done a better job this season with riveting results for the team. Maybe it is time to give him greater minutes now that the center is back and healthy.