Dereck Lively

Updated on 3/20/23.  Written by Alan Lu.

Height: 7-1
Weight: 215
College: Duke
Classification: Freshman
Birthdate: 2/12/2004

2023 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 31
Projected Draft Range: Mid 1st to 2nd Round

Pros:

Strong finisher around the basket
Excels at scoring on off-ball motion plays
Solid rebounder
Solid defender
Gifted shot blocker
Solid athlete

Cons:

Needs to improve his face-up game
Must extend his shooting range
Not an elite ball handler
Can be too passive on offense
Quite raw offensively
Can struggle to defend out on the perimeter
Inconsistent motor

Summary:

Dereck Lively is an athletic, energetic center that can help shore up a team’s interior due to his strong inside scoring and interior defensive skills.  On the other hand, he will need to improve his perimeter skills and rebounding, and he will need to add a reliable jump shot to his repertoire.  He is an athletic big man that could project to be a rim protector, and he is a first round prospect in the 2023 draft.

Links:
RealGM Profile
NBADraft.Net Profile
ESPN’s Early 2023 NBA Mock Draft

Games Scouted:
3/29/22 2022 McDonald’s All-American Game
4/8/22 2022 Nike Hoops Summit
4/15/22 2022 Jordan Brand Classic
11/15/22 Duke vs. Kansas
1/4/23 Duke vs. NC State
3/16/23 Duke vs. Oral Roberts
3/18/23 Duke vs. Tennessee

If you use any portion of this material, please credit NBA Scouting Live.