The Dallas Mavericks have struggled so far this season as they enter Friday's NBA Cup matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 4-12 record. However, while Cooper Flagg has flashed major potential, it appears that one of his teammates is quietly producing big numbers.
Reports indicate that Dereck Lively II is putting on a defensive showing through the six games he has played, according to Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban. The 21-year-old center is ranked fourth in the league in defensive rating while recording a career best in blocks per game.
“Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is fourth in the NBA in defensive rating (98.6). He is averaging a career-high 1.7 blocks per game and altering countless shots at the rim. Major difference-maker.”
It's just a six-game sample, but Lively is playing incredibly well alongside Cooper Flagg. Especially with Anthony Davis out right now with a calf injury. What's more impressive is that Lively is achieving this success on the defensive end while only averaging 16.2 minutes played per contest. He's also averaging 4.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting a 58.8% field goal percentage and going 75.0% from the free-throw line.
As for Flagg, the soon-to-be 19-year-old rookie forward is playing well in his first year in the league. He looks like a prospect with plenty of room to grow. Additionally, the potential is there, and as long as he develops his game, the Mavericks could have a superstar on the roster once again. Through 15 games played, Cooper Flagg is averaging 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 29.3% from beyond the arc.
