When Dereck Lively II was first drafted, he did not expect to achieve the results he’s provided the Dallas Mavericks.

Many felt he’d take time to develop, potentially requiring some time in the G League. He became an indispensable contributor before the regular season even began.

Lively averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 55 games, shooting 74.7% from the floor.

His production for a 50-win team earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team.

He’s continued to provide a substantial impact in the postseason, averaging 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists despite coming off the bench with a historic +87 plus-minus, trailing only Manu Ginobili (+191) among rookies during a postseason run.

“Coming into my first season, I never imagined my season would be like this,” Lively said.

“I never imagined the position I’d be in or to have this much success.

So I’m grateful. And I’m just trying to focus on what we have going forward.”

The impact Lively provides the Mavericks has completely changed the franchise.

He’s been an explosive lob threat and overall highly efficient play finisher.

He’s a smart decision-maker in short roll situations along with showing continually improving ability to handle scoring in those situations.

He’s a very talkative leader as a defensive anchor who does the dirty work with a lot of energy in the paint, crashing both the boarsd at a high level on offense and defense.

He’s everything the organization could have asked for in recent years to pair with Luka Doncic and now Kyrie Irving.

Lively was grateful to earn his regular season honor, but as he’s continued to show in the postseason, his impact this season has been among the very best among his rookie peers.

He is focused on helping the Mavericks contend for a championship over individual accolades or statistics.