Mavs' Dereck Lively Focusing On Paint Dominance This Season

Derek Lively, coming off an impressive rookie campaign that earned him NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors, is not resting on his laurels. The young Mavericks center recently shared insights into his offseason focus during Duke's Pro Devils Weekend, emphasizing his commitment to becoming a more dominant force in the paint.

"What have I been working on this offseason? A lot of things," Lively stated. "I'm just trying to be more dominant when it comes to the paint, stronger. Strength's definitely number one."

This focus on strength and paint presence comes after a rookie season where Lively showcased his efficiency, averaging 8.8 points on a remarkable 75 percent shooting, along with 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. These numbers hint at Lively's potential, but the big man is hungry for more. While many fans might be eager to see Lively expand his range, the young center is prioritizing his inside game.

"Working on my handle. You know, everyone wants to see me shoot, but I want to own the paint before I can shoot threes, you know what I'm saying?" Lively explained. This approach demonstrates a mature understanding of his role and the importance of mastering fundamentals before expanding his skill set.

Lively's commitment to paint dominance isn't just about personal stats. He recognizes the symbiotic relationship between his interior presence and the team's perimeter threats.

"I got some great teammates who can hit shots, so I gotta be able to conquer and control the paint," he added, showing awareness of how his development can create opportunities for his teammates.

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The Mavericks' coaching staff seems to be fully on board with Lively's development plan. During Pro Devils Weekend, Lively was seen working closely with Mavs assistant coach Sean Sweeney, suggesting that his offseason focus aligns well with the team's vision for his role.

As Lively continues to develop his strength and paint presence, Mavericks fans have reason to be excited. If he can build on his efficient rookie season and truly become a dominant force in the paint, it could elevate the Mavericks' frontcourt to new heights, providing the perfect complement to the team's perimeter firepower.