Mavericks rising star Dereck Lively II throws shade at 4xDPoY Rudy Gobert with "zero" remark

Dallas Mavericks rising star Dereck Lively II took aim at Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, on the Nike EYBL event. Lively was interviewed by former Mavericks guard Theo Pinson, who commented on how some players receive playing time due to their hefty contracts rather than their talent.

Lively only agreed with Pinson's remark, throwing shade at Gobert and his game. The conversation began with Pinson saying:

"Perfect example, they (the Mavericks) played the Minnesota Timberwolves. There is zero reason Rudy Gobert should've been on that court."

Lively, who is gearing up to feature in his second NBA season, not just agreed to Pinson's statement but also doubled down on the ex-player's claim by saying "zero."

Pinson highlighted Gobert's making huge amount of money:

“But you are paying him about 40-50 million dollars. You better get your a** out there and figure it the f*** out."

Lively agreed with Pinson's remark and replied:

“And he didn't."

Lively and Gobert battled against each other during last season's Western Conference Finals between the Mavericks and Timberwolves. Lively's Dallas won the series 4-1 against Minnesota after the 20-year-od center thoroughly outplayed Gobert.

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Dallas Mavericks exposed Rudy Gobert's weakness

Dereck Lively played a key role in the Mavericks' bid to exploit Rudy Gobert’s weaknesses, particularly his struggles with perimeter defense. The Mavericks consistently pulled Gobert out of the paint, running numerous plays led by Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving.

Gobert averaged 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in five games against the Mavericks in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. He shot 62.9% from the field and recorded an average plus/minus of -3.2.

Meanwhile, rookie center Lively was instrumental in Dallas's win over Minnesota. The 20-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 100% shooting from the field.

Lively took 16 shots and made all his attempts. He recorded a plus/minus of +5.3 in the Western Conference Finals.

Talking about his offensive and perimeter defense limitations, Gobert was axed from France's starting lineup during the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics. France looked like a much better team after Gobert was moved to the bench, as the host nation ended its campaign with a silver medal, losing to the USA.