Jason Kidd reveals 'next step' that will make Dereck Lively II a Mavericks legend

After a recent five-game skid due to injuries and illness to some of the Dallas Mavericks' biggest names, the team has since rebounded with two impressive wins in a row over conference foes. The first win came against the Los Angeles Lakers in blowout fashion, while the second win came against the Portland Trail Blazers when the team rallied off a 16-0 run late in the fourth to gain the lead and never let it go.

Despite the sluggish start from the team after learning of the severity of Luka Doncic's injury, the team has since rebounded and Doncic's path to healthiness seems to be on the right track. In addition to Doncic missing time, the Mavericks have been without Kyrie Irving as he is dealing with a bulging disc in his back.

While the Mavericks could be in a seven-game skid without their two superstars, the team has found creation and playmaking from other players, which has only solidified to fans that the Mavericks have a deep roster.

With multiple players stepping up when the Mavs have needed them most, now could be the time for Jason Kidd to unleash the full offensive potential of Dereck Lively II.

Kidd outlines bold vision for Lively II's growth in Dallas

It's no secret the Mavericks hold Lively II in very high fashion after his impressive rookie season. The seven-footer not only would have led the NBA in field goal percentage had he played enough games, but he arguably became Dallas' most important player outside of the superstar duo in their journey to the NBA Finals.

While in the Finals, Lively II struggled to have the same offensive output that he had had in the previous three series' but he showcased the ability to stretch the floor as he drained his first career 3-pointer, which only got fans more excited for the former Blue Devil's future.

Over the offseason, Lively II and the Mavericks teased the possibility of him taking multiple 3-point attempts per game. While this hasn't become true yet, Kidd revealed to the media he intends to let his center let it fly from three in the near future.

"Being able to play make and turning down that first guy or being able to be aggressive. To look to score for himself as much as he does for his teammates," Kidd said of Lively II in a recent interview. "Just like we're gonna let him shoot threes at some point..."

While fans are most excited about Kidd saying they would let Lively II take shots from behind the arc in the future, perhaps the most important extraction from this quote is Kidd talking about Lively II's playmaking possibilities being the "next step" in his development.

Dating back to last season's pre-draft workout, teams were hooked on Lively II for his ability to stretch the floor and play make in addition to his rim protection and rim-running capabilities. Over the course of his year and a half in Dallas, Lively II has displayed the ability to pass the rock in the short roll to wide-open cutters or shooters.

Kidd may have hinted at Lively II becoming a Nikola Jokic-type player in the sense of his playmaking, but even the ability to pass off the first look for a better opportunity to score is something the Mavericks desperately need if they wish to return to the Finals. He has looked nearly unstoppable during the times when he has called his own number in the short roll, dating back to when he dunked on Chet Holmgren last season, and we could be talking about him as a Mavs legend when it's all said and done if he contiues this ascension.