How could you not love him? He’s Dereck Lively Ⅱ
There are a few athletes in the basketball world that genuinely remind you of a breath of fresh air. Dereck Lively II is inevitably one of them. His charisma, sincerity and warmth are what breeds admiration towards him. Something we all must acknowledge.
Photo Credentials: Dereck Lively II Instagram
I’ve always wondered how someone like Dereck Lively II maintains his joy and peace entering the world of abundance that is the NBA at such a young age. It narrows down to his heart posture. He's one of few athletes that expresses himself aimlessly despite what the people say. Especially in a world of constant paranoia of the public scrutinizing athletes for being themselves, Dereck doesn't conform or shrink himself to fit the mold. His love for legos, fashion, Jurassic Park, and other spontaneous ventures, showcases to other athletes and sports spectators to embrace themselves no matter who is watching. It's also noteworthy to remind athletes and others to find their passions and hobbies outside of their day jobs.
Dereck is also a delight for the Dallas community, particularly through his role with the Dallas Mavericks. For many, especially young fans, seeing someone from their own community or a figure they admire engaging with them is incredibly inspiring. It fosters a deeper connection and makes the dreams of young athletes feel more achievable, reminding them that hard work and dedication can open doors to countless opportunities. When someone like Dereck steps in as the face of these efforts, it reinforces the message that athletes are not just role models for their performance on the court but also for the positive changes they can inspire within their cities.
In addition to his community engagement, Dereck’s personal journey in the NBA further solidifies why he made the prestigious NBA Top 25 Under 25 list. That recognition is not just about raw talent, but about players who have the potential to shape the future of the league, both through their athleticism and their personal integrity. Lively is a perfect example of someone who embodies both.
Truly, if you're having a bad day, just go to Derek's Instagram and I promise you, you're going to chuckle at his whimsical spirit. He displays the internal feeling we tend to suppress. He's relatable and dismantles barriers by him simply being himself. Dereck, thank you for that. You brighten up and create a fresh perspective of how an athlete can be in the league. Keep being you, we look forward to seeing and supporting you throughout your years.
Photo Credentials: Dereck Lively II Instagram
While it's clear that Dereck represents everything positive about the intersection of sports and community, there is a darker side to the way the media and organizations often treat athletes, something that has been sugarcoated for far too long. No I was not going to create an article about Derecks grief story and explain how that makes him a remarkable basketball star. Why? Because pimping out athletes' grief stories has absolutely got to stop. Media and organizations using someone's personal grief to bring about more views to make profits is absolutely ridiculous and purely wicked. That just is what it is. Someone's personal story of loss, that holds so much weight, and using that to craft a narrative or to frame a new identity over someone is crazy. What makes matters worse is forcing these athletes to live out the legacy of loss by convincing them to speak about it in these marketing campaigns and interviews as a condition to keep their job. That's called emotional exploitation. Everyone is much more than grief, and we all must recognize that.
