Dallas Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II recently turned some heads due to comments he made about Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert.
During a recent conversation with G League guard Theo Pinson, the Dallas center shared an observation that has he had about his Western Conference frontcourt rival.
Lively explained that the players who make the most money earn the most playing time. Pinson asserted that Gobert was essentially unplayable during the postseason and whether or not that was true, Lively emphatically agreed.
Pinson added that Gobert needed to sort out those problems, and Lively said that the three-time NBA All-Star was unable to do that. It was an interesting conversation:
Can't stop laughing after D-Live said "zero" & "and he didn't"
(Via Nike EYBL on YouTube) pic.twitter.com/sltNUa4OMU
— Panda Hank (@pandahank41) September 3, 2024
Some people have correctly pointed out that Lively has already faced similar issues during his young professional career. That should not disqualify him from making these arguments about Gobert, though.
Indeed, these two players come from a very similar archetype as defensive anchors with offensive limitations. Both are phenomenal rim protectors and neither has proven able to spread the floor as shooters.
Certain fans may feel that if Lively has those same problems, how is it fair for him to point fingers at Gobert? But the reality is that it actually makes the former Duke standout uniquely qualified to speak on the matter.
Gobert is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who is far more accomplished than the 20-year-old big man. But the 2023 NBA Draft lottery pick, who earned All-Rookie Second-Team honors last season, has a chance to achieve marvelous things on the basketball court.
It is certainly possible that Lively could eventually surpass the impact Gobert has had in his professional career. However, he will need to figure out a few of the same things that the Minnesota big man has struggled with in order to reach that mountain top.
Otherwise, he could end up as a solid regular-season player incapable of matching that positive contribution in the playoffs. Fortunately, however, he has plenty of time to sort it out during what projects as a very long stay in the NBA.
