2023 DRAFT: Mavs take Lively, OMP, sign Mike Miles to 2-way, sign Jordan Walker

[mvossman]

I think there’s a lot of similarities (with Allen). He didn’t have a great year at Texas. His shot-blocking numbers were there, but he was up and down. I believe, if I’m right, Jarrett got drafted later (22nd overall in 2017) than this kid is probably going to go. The close of (Lively’s) year was better than anything Jarrett had at any point in time in that year. But their mobility, long, shot-blocking guards with the feet to guard, not just around the basket, that’s appealing. And he was a big-timer in high school. So everything’s on the upswing with him. As a big guy now, no one cares if you can score in the post any more. If you can, great, we’ll throw it to you once a month. He’s going to be a defense-first guy.

This is my biggest hope regarding Lively.  I think 2021 made a reference to Allen as well.  Its a good comp and an ideal path for Lively.  Allen played 20 minutes a game his first year, started every game his second year and never looked back.  If Lively can fit this profile, there is no reason to put another nickel into the center position.