Ahead of the 2023-24 season, the Mavs hit the right chord to rope in Dereck Lively II. This decision eventually catapulted the team into their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. While the rookie center was one, the team also made many more changes to their starting lineup. However, Lively II’s inclusion was the first major move. Ironically, they didn’t pick him up initially despite having the 10th pick.

Interestingly, the Mavs themselves snubbed the 7 ‘1 center and picked Cason Wallace in place of him initially. And it was the OKC Thunder who drafted Lively II in the 12th pick and found him as the perfect backup center for Chet Holmgren. The same side that Dallas defeated in the semi-finals. Notably, Kyrie Irving found it the “toughest” series he ever played in his career. However, things could have gone sideways if the Mavs hadn’t traded 10th to pick Cason Wallace to the Thunder in return for Lively on the same day.

Worst-case scenario, the Mavs could have ended their Championship dream early in the semi-final series. As Luka Doncic himself said, “We wouldn’t win this series without D-Live, he’s been playing amazing. For a rookie, not being scared…it’s insane how he plays. The way he impacts the game [is] just amazing.” 

Nevertheless, even before the Mavs could blow their chance at drafting the young center, nine other franchises snubbed him!

It was reasonable for the San Antonio Spurs to go for Victor Wembanyama in the first pick. The tall French man served the purpose and even won the Rookie of the Year Award, averaging 21 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game. And, yet they finished as the 14th seed of the Western Conference. On the other hand, 8 other franchises that could have roped in the talented 20-year-old.

Every franchise that snubbed Dereck Lively II

While we evaded the Spurs out of the debate, two other franchises had their reasons for their picks. Apart from Wemby, Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller also made waves in the NBA world ahead of the draft. So it was almost certain that either the Charlotte Hornets or Portland Trail Blazers would rope in the stars.

Despite Henderson’s impressive stint in the G League Ignite, the Hornets with the second pick expressed their wish to rope in Miller (Alabama). And, he proved to be a great pick, making it to the All-Rookie team and finishing 3rd in the Rookie of the Year race, averaging more than 17 points.

On the other hand, the Blazers had their eyes set on Henderson. Fans and analysts predicted the star to transform the side along with Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, it all came crashing down when Dame Time moved to the Milwaukee Bucks. And, the Blazers had yet another poor season, finishing last with only 21 wins. Henderson also couldn’t do much damage. He averaged just 14 points.

Now, let’s take a look at other franchises that blew their chances at roping big man.

Amen Thompson – Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets had the perfect opportunity to find a backup center for the prolific Alperen Sengun. The Turkish baller showed signs of generational talent in the 2023-24 season, averaging a career-high 21 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5 assists. Moreover, the 21-year-old’s match-up against Victor Wembanyama was the major highlight. If at all they had Lively II in their attack, the Rockets could have even qualified for the playoffs. Instead, they went with Amen Thompson as the 4th pick, who ended the season, averaging, 9.5 points with 6 rebounds per game.

Ausar Thompson – Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons had one of the worst seasons in the league, which also included a historic losing streak of 28 games. Cade Cunningham definitely needed help to save the side from embarrassment. The 7 ‘2 center’s inclusion could have reduced the adversity. But, they went for Ausan Thompson in the 5th pick, who had a decent season, averaging 8.8 points, but he ended the season early with a blood clot.

Anthony Black – Orlando Magic

The same player who went viral for the uncanny jersey swap with Gradey Dick. The Magic had an impressive playoff run despite having a fairly inexperienced side. Lively II’s inclusion would have added a layer to their attack and even helped them go deeper in the playoff. Moreover, the Magic’s cap space will enable them to rope in star players in the upcoming season, which will further strengthen the side in the future.

Bilal Coulibaly – Indiana Pacers & Jarace Walker – Washington Wizards

The Indiana Pacers picked Wemby’s former teammate, Bilal Coulibaly (Guard), in the 7th pick. And later traded him for Jarace Walker (PF), whom the Wizards drafted in the 8th pick. Walker didn’t have an eventful season as he played only 33 games at an average of 10 minutes per game. On the other end, Coulibaly averaged 8.4 points but had to end the season early with a wrist injury.

Taylor Hendricks – Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz had yet another underwhelming season, finishing 12 in the West. The team dealt with a lot of injuries, including a long absence from their star contender, Lauri Markkenen. Taylor Hendricks, who was drafted as the 9th pick, put up a great show, averaging 7.3 points in 40 games.

Cason Wallace – Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs themselves didn’t trust Dereck Lively II initially and went for the point guard in the 10th pick. Oklahoma, who traded him in later for Lively, used him throughout the season at an average of 20 minutes per game.

Jett Howard – Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic missed its opportunity twice to rope the rising star, as they went for a shooting guard, Jett Howards. Ironically, they didn’t make much use of the talent, as he played only 18 games at an average of 3.7 minutes per game.

Nevertheless, the Mavs were destined to rope the big man, and it has served them well in the season. Will Dereck Lively find a permanent place in the Mavs fold alongside Luka Doncic? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.