During his first two years in the NBA, Dereck Lively II has become an important part of the Dallas Mavericks‘ roster.
Last season, he posted 8.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game before getting hurt and having to sit out for months.
Lively will be a vital player for Dallas moving forward.
Noah Weber reported that Mark Cuban said Lively could potentially take two to three three-pointers next season.
Mark Cuban just talked about Dereck Lively II potentially taking 2-3 threes per game next season and giving Dallas the ability to play five-out.
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) July 11, 2025
Lively doesn’t do three-pointers, so this is a big deal.
Since coming into the league as a rookie, Lively hasn’t attempted any shots from beyond the arc, and most people aren’t surprised by that because it’s simply not a part of his skill set.
But that may not be the case moving forward.
The NBA has a heavy emphasis on three-pointers right now.
No matter the size of the player, they have to contribute at least a little bit from downtown, and now it’s Lively’s chance to show that he can.
This will require a lot of practice over the next few months, but fans believe that Lively can do it.
He has been such a pleasant surprise for the Mavericks, and followers love what they have seen from him.
He is one of the most exciting young big men in the league and has been a blessing for the team’s frontcourt
Dallas is still in a transitional phase, attempting to find an identity without Luka Doncic and with the addition of incoming rookie Cooper Flagg.
If they want to find their footing, they will need every player to enhance their skills and try new things.
Are we about to see Lively light up from the three-point line in 2025-26?
NEXT: Cooper Flagg Has Honest Admission About His Summer League Debut