The 2023 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Dereck Lively II 2023 NBA Draft Profile.
Position: Forward
Size: 7-foot-1, 230 pounds
Class: Freshman
College: Duke
2022-2023 stats: 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.4 blocks, 65.8%FG, 15.4%3FG, 60.0%FT
Lively II got off to a slow start at Duke after being a heralded recruit. He is now in the 2023 NBA Draft class.
As a five-star recruit who was heralded as one of the best in the country, Lively II signed with Duke out of Pennsylvania. He sustained a calf injury before the season, which cost him valuable practice time and playing time as a result. After getting on the floor, Lively averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He helped Duke win 27 wins and make the 2023 NCAA Tournament second round.
Following his one season at Duke, Lively declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Lively is a good rim protector and can help an NBA team out immediately. He is good at using his long wingspan to deter shooters. Lively can time when players will shoot and will block shots when he is guarding on the ball. When he is off the ball, he shows good recognition of when to come help to best protect the rim.
He has solid athleticism and body control for his size. Lively can get up and down the court and finish in transition when fed the ball. He can also move decently well to help guard some of the more mobile interior players that he will face.
In the half-court, Lively has the ability to finish well from the interior. He has specifically focused on scoring from right around the basket and in the paint during his college career. At times, he is able to absorb contact and finish at the rim. He will need to continue working on his post moves, but Lively has been efficient on the inside already.
Lively will need to hit the weight room when he gets to the NBA. He lacks strength and could struggle to battle some of the bigger players in the NBA at his position. Players will be able to get post position and score on him because he doesn’t have great strength.
His shooting leaves a lot to be desired. Most of his points came from right near the basket. He will not be able to stretch the floor immediately and that includes shooting from deep or in the mid-range. Those shooting struggles extend to the free throw line, where he knocked down just 60 percent during his one season at Duke.
He could improve his rebounding to stay on the floor. Lively needs to make sure he is boxing out on every play. He also needs to show better awareness of how the ball will come off the rim. Lively has the ability to go get the ball athletically, but sometimes struggles battling for position.
Projected Draft Range: First-Round Pick
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