Since the beginning of the offseason, the Dallas Mavericks have sought to improve their team after making the NBA Finals for the first time in over 13 seasons. While the signing of Klay Thompson headlined Dallas’ summer, many other names have been added to an already-loaded roster looking to make their second Finals appearance in two seasons.

One move the Mavericks made this offseason that often gets overlooked is the signing of defensive-minded wing, Naji Marshall. The former Pelican was recently named the bargain signing of the summer and will bring much-needed depth to the wing position after Dallas failed to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. in free agency.

While Dallas’ offseason has been cut short due to the Mavericks’ extended playoff run to the Finals, many Mavericks are still taking time out of their summer to refine their game as much as possible.

Lively II working out with Turner will morph him into an All-Star

Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is improving his game by working out with Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner at the Nike Academy while coaching the young players there.

It was no surprise to fans seeing Lively II already working on his craft as he enters his first offseason as a pro. Despite this, many fans were shocked to see the Mavericks center working out with Dallas native Myles Turner here at the Nike Academy.

The two can be seen running pick and rolls off one another while also dishing passes to camp players for open dunks during drills. Additionally, the two centers are shown working on their jump shots from behind the corner 3-point line which only got fans buzzing more for Lively II’s potential on the floor.

While Lively II’s potential is off the charts as showcased many times during the Mavericks’ playoff run, playing with a player like Turner can only make the former rookie better. Turner is an elite pick-and-pop threat for the Pacers while also being a stout rim protector. Lively II has already shown he can defend the rim at an elite level but has yet to unlock his outside shot-making ability. With Turner at his side, fans may see the former Blue Devil stroke the three-ball with confidence.

During Game 4 of the Finals, Lively II attempted and made his only shot from behind the arc all season. Despite canning his only three, Lively II still has plenty of work to do before he can be trusted on a nightly basis. Working with Turner will only help Lively II reach his full potential.

Assuming Lively II can consistently knock down the three ball eventually, the Mavericks’ offense may become one of the most versatile units in the whole league. For more updates on Dereck Lively II and the Dallas Mavericks offseason, stay plugged in as we will have you covered.