Dallas Mavs' Dereck Lively II Doing 'Everything' to Start, O-Max Likely to Come Off Bench
MADRID, Spain — The Dallas Mavericks still have one preseason game before their 2023-24 campaign is underway. However, for opening night, the Mavs seem to understand better the roles of rookies Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
The Mavs planned to use the preseason as a measure for their new rookies to determine if they could be utilized in a starting role. Lively has started in each of Dallas' three preseason games, while Prosper was moved to the bench group leading into the team's second match against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Abu Dhabi.
"Yeah, [Lively and Prosper will start in preseason] just to see how they handle different situations," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said in training camp. "They'll start with Kai, Luka, and Grant."
Lively has averaged 3.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 19.1 minutes per game in preseason. The team is satisfied with his play, serving as the defensive anchor and rim roller. The team believes he's done what it takes to start. Meanwhile, Prosper will likely come off the bench to begin the season.
"Look at what Lively has done here on this trip. He's doing extremely well starting with the starters," Kidd said after Tuesday's game. "He's doing everything to start. We're probably going to bring O-Max off the bench if the season was to start tomorrow."
Dallas Mavericks rookies Dereck Lively II (left) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (right).
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Mas expect mistakes from their rookies, even with Lively meeting expectations enough to be a starter. As Lively said in Abu Dhabi, he's still adjusting to the physicality of the NBA game, with matchups against Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns being a quick crash course to experience it.
"Lively is doing everything. As a rookie, he will make some mistakes, but I think he's had an incredible three games here of learning what the NBA game's all about," Kidd said. "He's only going to get better."-
The Mavs have a few options to consider as starters on the wing, with Josh Green appearing to be the favorite to earn the role. Prosper, who has averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game, will likely provide size on the wing coming off the bench to fill a role the team sorely lacked the necessary personnel to fill last season.
"You look at how O-Max is playing, and he's doing his job. He's a rookie, he's going to make mistakes," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said.
The Mavs begin the regular season on Oct. 25 in a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
