Brooklyn Nets projected to take Dereck Lively II with 22nd overall pick
With the 2023 NBA Draft three weeks away, the Brooklyn Nets have a lot to consider regarding the annual event given the fact that they have two first-round picks outside of the lottery. Per Bleacher Report, Brooklyn is projected to select Duke center Dereck Lively II with the 22nd overall pick.
Lively II, 19, did some amazing things during his freshman season as a Duke Blue Devil. After averaging 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in 34 contests (27 starts), Lively II was named to the ACC All-Defense team as well as the ACC All-Freshman team. Lively II, standing at 7’1″ and 230 pounds, was 10th in the nation in BPG and was second in the ACC in that same metric,
What the big man out of Philadelphia brings to the NBA is a guy who’s proficient at protecting the rim as well as being able to contribute as a lob threat in the pick-and-roll right away due to his athleticism and wingspan. Lively II also brings an ability to defend in the pick-and-roll mostly as a drop defender, but can provide adequate perimeter defense due to his above-average quickness.
Where Lively II struggles is his ability to be a force on the offensive end. While he excels as a lob threat, which is an important skill in the NBA, Lively II has a hard time finishing at the rim over bigs and has trouble shooting the ball from the perimeter (15.4% from three-point land). However, those issues can be something that comes with hard work and time. Here’s a video breakdown of Lively II by Adam Spinella:
