Dereck Lively is the Perfect Modern NBA Center
NBA Big Board contributor Chris Keesee explains why Lively will provide one of the most significant returns on investment from this draft class
What if I told you that a prospect who only averaged 5 points, 5 rebounds, and one assist per game this season was one of the best prospects in the entire class that an organization could steal in the late first round/early second? Are you intrigued?
That’s how you should feel about 7’1, 230lb center Dereck Lively II out of Duke, who I believe could return top-5 value from this draft class, despite his late first-round consensus. Although Lively did not put up the most prolific numbers during his lone collegiate season, and his production could even make some fans wonder if he’s even draftable, Lively’s talent as a drop defender, paired with his excellent tools as a low-usage, roll/cut big make him one of best, and most portable, prospects in this entire draft class.