07-13-2023, 03:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-13-2023, 03:43 PM by RoyTarpleysGhost.)
(07-13-2023, 01:51 PM)mvossman Wrote: I think Lively has the physical tools, the proper instincts and a high motor both on the court and off (work effort). That is the recipe for somebody to be a high level defender early in their NBA career. The offensive side will probably take more time, but I don't think that is necessary for him to see significant time on the court.
You can say the exact same things about Josh Green. Same age coming into the league. Great athlete. Great makeup. Underwhelming performance his one year in college. Considered raw.
People are acting like since the 12th pick is a "lottery" pick, he should contribute a lot sooner than the 18th pick. I don't see much difference. I also don't have the same read that the Mavs expect him to contribute right away since they spent such a high pick on him. He was the only defensive center left on the board where the Mavs were picking. No other options if you wanted a young big man to develop.
I expect a similar developmental timeline for Lively as Josh.