How Cooper Flagg’s teammate is quietly having a big season
The The Dallas Mavericks have struggled so far this season as they enter Friday’s NBA Cup game against the New Orleans Pelicans 4-12. However, Doc Cooper Flagg has great potential, one of his teammates seems to be quietly putting up big numbers.
Reports indicate that Derek Lively II is putting on a defensive display through the six games he played, according to Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban. The 21-year-old center ranks fourth in the league in defensive rating while posting a career-best in blocks per game.
“Dallas Mavericks center Derek Lively II is fourth in the NBA in defensive rating (98.6). He averages a career-high 1.7 blocks per game and changes countless shots at the rim. Big difference maker.”
It’s only a six-game sample, but Lively is playing incredibly well next to Cooper Flagg. Especially with Anthony Davis currently sidelined with a calf injury. What’s even more impressive is that Lively is achieving this feat defensively while averaging just 16.2 minutes per contest. He also averaged 4.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 58.8% field goal percentage and 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 a lot of room for growth. In addition, the potential is there as long as he develops his game The Mavericks could have a superstar back on the list. In 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 the bench.
2025-11-21 18:44:00
