"Ended up becoming the little big brother": Dereck Lively II gets candid about his relationship with Mavs coach Tyson Chandler

Dereck Lively II was candid about his relationship with Tyson Chandler, former Dallas Mavericks center and current player development coach. Leading up to a decisive Game 5, the Mavericks need to win to keep their 2024 NBA Championship hopes alive.

The young F/C, seen practicing with Chandler, was asked about his chemistry and friendship with the former NBA champion. Dereck Lively likened it to that of a "little big brother" bond. Speaking to the media ahead of the game, he said:

"I think it was like my fourth day working out, and I was just figuring out where I stand in the totem pole, and he just comes and puts me under his wing, and the rest is history.

"I ended up becoming the little big brother or the big little brother to him. … We kind of go back and forth all the time.”

Chandler spent two seasons with Dallas, averaging 10.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in 149 games.

He was a journeyman in the league, plying his trade for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, LA Lakers and the Houston Rockets. Overall. he averaged 8.2 points and 9.0 rebounds in 1,160 games overall before joining the Mavericks as a player development coach in 2021.

Chandler was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft out of Dominguez High School in Compton. He played for the Mavs during the 2010-11 and 2014-15 seasons.

The 19-year veteran was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 and made the All-Star team in 2013. He was also selected to the NBA's second-team all-defensive teams in 2011 and 2012.

---

How has Dereck Lively II fared in the 2024 NBA Finals?

Dereck Lively II has averaged 6.0 points and 9.2 rebounds in four games against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.

The center has seen better production in Games 3 and 4, notching up 13 and 12 rebounds respectively. His hustle and motor were key highlights as he crashed the boards to help Dallas fight their way back into contention.

Overall, Lively averages 8.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in the postseason. His success has translated to the Mavs making the deeper end of the season.

The Duke product made headlines for his stellar two-way plays against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the OKC Thunder. Lively's best moment came when he drilled three vital free throws in Game 3 against Thunder who were intentionally fouling the first-year big.

Dereck Lively II and Dallas will hope to notch up another win in a do-or-die contest on Monday at the TD Garden.