The Dallas Mavericks had a disappointing end to their 2024 campaign. They started off the season with no buzz around their championship possibility and ended it with a place in the Finals against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, the team wasn’t strong enough to defeat the mighty Celts. However, more than the mislay, the Mavs’ rookie Dereck Lively II carried a heavy heart throughout the postseason. And, the 20-year-old addressed it ahead of the upcoming season.

The Mavs’ rookie had an impressive outing in the last season, sharing the rim protection job alongside Daniel Gafford. D-Live ended the regular season with a decent average of 8.8 ppg and 6.9 rpg. When the rookie was all set to make his postseason debut, he lost his mother, Kathy Drysdale (53), to cancer on April 12. Nevertheless, Lively competed in the postseason, recording 7.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg, helping the Texas side to reach the NBA Finals after 13 years.

Speaking about his mental state during the tough times, Lively recently made an emotional speech. The rising star, with a strong conviction on his face, said, “As soon as the playoffs start y’all already know, my mother passed. My mom’s died in my hands. So I’m like I gotta be out here, I gotta focus on basketball, but at the same time I can’t even go back home right now because I don’t have all my life together.”

Following that, Dereck Lively II continued to pass on important advice to the younger generation. He added, “Y’all mad if y’all mom take y’all phones. My mom not there no more. So I gotta show up… No matter if it’s a Tuesday night, no matter if it’s a Wednesday morning… Have to give your hundred percent.” Looking at the statement, D-Live has committed himself entirely to basketball. Importantly, he considers the Mavs as his family, as he said, “Man, I ain’t around my teammates…I’m around my family,” during the postseason interview.

What does the future hold for Dereck Lively II?

Dereck Lively II has emerged as a promising prospect for the Mavs. Definitely a missing that Luka Doncic was looking for a long time. However, this could help to reach only the Finals. The team needs something more. And the answer is Klay Thompson. Even after having two lethal shooters, Luka, and Kyrie Irving on the side, the Mavs couldn’t penetrate the Celts’ defense. The two All-Stars struggled to create space on the floor and ended up succumbing to a 4-1 disappointing series loss.

Nevertheless, with the inclusion of China Klay, the opponents have to worry about three ace shooters which will automatically create more space on the floor. Moreover, Dereck Lively II can also come into the picture, cleaning up the board and collecting the offense. Above all, the rising star can have his minutes increased in his sophomore year.

Coach Jason Kidd, speaking of the young blood, said, “When you talk about D-Live and his ability to learn, to go through different experiences, different life experiences that we all know that he’s going through right now, just to absorb that and to learn from that, and that’s what that young man has done all season.” Jason Kidd seemed to be impressed by Lively’s tough nature and might look to capitalize on it for the long term.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.