Dereck Lively II 2023 NBA Draft Profile (Combine Results, Measurements and Scouting Report for Duke Center)

Duke Center Dereck Lively II enters the 2023 NBA Draft as one of the clear-cut top prospects available. Boasting incredible length, along with elite shot-blocking and rim-protecting skills, the potential is there for Lively to become a star at the next level.

Here's everything you need to know about Dereck Lively II before the 2023 NBA Draft.

Dereck Lively II Scouting Report and Draft Prediction

Dereck Lively was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and opted to join head coach Jon Scheyer in what was his first year leading the Duke Blue Devils. Lively was the team's trusted rim protector as his size and length helped keep opposing teams away from the basket. He also showed enough speed to be relied on to defend opposing big men along the perimeter or in the mid-range.

Lively used his physical traits to make an impact in his lone season with Duke, averaging 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. His athleticism makes him a player to target on alley-oops as well as someone capable of cashing in on put-back opportunities. It was Lively's defensive efforts that shined brightest as he tallied 2.4 blocks per game, which was the ninth-best mark in the nation.

There is no such thing as a perfect prospect, though, as Lively relied on dunks and layups for almost all of his scoring in college. It's yet to be seen if the talented center can become a weapon with any kind of jump-shot improvement. Of course, building muscle to fill out a 7' 1" frame is going to be key over the next few years as well. The physicality of playing around the rim can take a toll on a player.

Overall, Lively lines up as a prototypical rim-running center with room to grow as an offensive threat. That's why seeing him land with a team in need of depth down low, but also one capable of giving him time to progress is important. The Houston Rockets stick out as a landing spot as adding Lively to the mix would create an intriguing frontcourt group that includes Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.

Prediction: Houston Rockets (Round 1, 20th overall)

Dereck Lively II NBA Draft Combine Results

Dereck Lively II Duke Stats

Dereck Lively II Duke Highlights

What is Dereck Lively II's vertical?

Dereck Lively has a reported vertical of over 40 inches, which allows him to serve as a proficient rim protector as well as an offensive threat. Lively has the physical tools to make an impact in the NBA.

How tall is Dereck Lively II?

Dereck Lively II is listed at 7' 1" on Duke's official roster. No measurements were provided for Lively at the NBA Draft Combine, but it's safe to say the center can compare to others at the NBA position.

What is Dereck Lively II's wingspan?

Dereck Lively's wingspan checks in at 7' 7", according to Duke's official roster. It's well above the NBA average, which is crucial for a center that relies on his length to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

How old is Dereck Lively II?

Dereck Lively II is 19 years old, making him one of the younger prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was born on Feb. 12, 2004.

Where is Dereck Lively II from?

Dereck Lively II was born and raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and played high school basketball at Westtown School. He was named a McDonald's All-American following a dominant senior season and received offers from multiple Power Five schools. Lively II then committed to playing at Duke.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

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