Dereck Lively II is a towering center for the Dallas Mavericks, forming a crucial part of their defensive identity and rim-running offense. The 7'1" big man was the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Duke and has quickly become a fan favorite in Dallas. Paired with superstar Luka Dončić, Lively's game is perfectly suited for the modern NBA: he is an elite rim protector and a phenomenal finisher on lobs and put-backs. In his sophomore season, he has already shown remarkable improvement in his positioning, rebounding, and even a budding face-up game. Earning a salary of over $5 million, Lively is on a trajectory to become one of the league's premier defensive anchors. His ability to protect the paint and finish efficiently has made him an indispensable piece for a Mavericks team with championship aspirations.