The Dallas Mavericks have made a bold statement by exercising the third-year rookie scale options on two of their most promising young players, center Dereck Lively II and forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper. This move undoubtedly has the potential to shape the future of the team and is likely to send shockwaves throughout the NBA.
Lively, a 7-foot-1-inch, 234-pound center out of Duke, has already made a significant impact since being drafted. Originally selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 12th overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Lively had his draft rights traded to Dallas in exchange for DÄvis BertÄns and the draft rights to 10th overall pick Cason Wallace. In his rookie season, Lively convincingly demonstrated his skills on the court, earning a well-deserved spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Lively proved to be a versatile and dominant force for the Mavericks, averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 23.5 minutes per game in 55 games, 42 of which were starts. This impressive performance only serves as a testament to Lively's potential and work ethic. By exercising his rookie scale option, the Mavericks have signaled their commitment to developing Lively into a cornerstone player for the team.
Prosper, a 6-foot-8-inch, 215-pound forward out of Marquette, is another talented young player who has shown promise in his rookie season. Originally drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the first round as the 24th overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Prosper's draft rights were traded along with Richaun Holmes to Dallas in exchange for cash considerations. In 40 games for the Mavericks, Prosper averaged 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 8.4 minutes.
While Prosper's stats may not be as eye-catching as those of Lively, it is essential to consider that he played significantly fewer minutes. Prosper's flashes of promise in his limited playing time suggest that he has the potential to grow into a valuable asset for the Mavericks. By exercising his rookie scale option, the team has demonstrated their faith in Prosper's ability to develop into a key contributor in the future.
The decision to exercise the rookie scale options on Lively and Prosper showcases the Mavericks' focus on building a strong foundation of young talent. By securing these two players for an additional year, the team is not only protecting their investment but also signaling their commitment to developing a competitive and sustainable roster for the long term.
Without a doubt, the Mavericks' decision will have fans excited for the future. As the team continues to shape its roster and build momentum, Lively and Prosper will undoubtedly be players to watch. With both players under contract for the foreseeable future, the sky's the limit for these talented young athletes.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Dallas Mavericks and the rest of the NBA as the season unfolds!