Dereck Lively II is first Maverick Player to earn Rising Stars Nod Since Luka Doncic

[Chicagojk]

Next step for Lively is going to be working on a reliable 3-point shot. He's already great at defense and rim-running, but if he can play 5-out it will really open up everything on offense when he's in the game. I don't want him to just become a shooter of course, but the threat is important.

Not saying you are wrong, but I sort of disagree.  I think that part of his game is coming.   I so enjoyed a young player who played to his strengths and not wanting to show the world that he can shoot a three (See Mo Bamba).

In my opinion, my next steps for him is being able to finish in the paint more.  He was much better at this than I was expecting, but I think the touch shots and push shots would do wonders for his game.   Everything else though, I just want to see slow improvement...rebounding, defense, playmaking.    He has a chance to be so good.   I am not sure general NBA knows that yet.   Maybe not all nba teams, but a guy who can be so impactful while on the floor.