Dereck Lively II
4.3 PPG · 5.3 REB · 1.9 AST
Rik Smits
12.9 PPG · 5.1 REB · 1.1 AST
VS
1–2
categories
Smits leads the head-to-head, 2 categories to 1.
Rebuildvs
The two-way profile
II 6Smits 2
Balladex DNA ratings (0–99). II wins 6 of 8 attribute battles.
Tale of the tape
4.3
14.8
5.3
6.1
1.9
1.4
Career scoring arc points per game · by season
II peak 8.8Smits peak 18.5
The trophy case edge: II
All-Rookie 2024 Second TeamFinals 2024 (runner-up)ACC All-Defensive 2023
🏆
1× NBA All-Star
The verdict
Smits holds the edge, leading in 2 of 3 categories (points / game, rebounds / game). II answers in assists / game — which is exactly why this is the marquee debate.
60II · Solid starter
Balladex Impact Index
56Smits · Rotation piece
Card value — head to head
Dereck Lively II
$5.0
On the rise — speculative upside
5-yr outlook+20%
Legacy floor100%
Rik Smits
$5.0
Cemented legacy
5-yr outlook+40% ▲
Legacy floor100%
Card verdictBoth grade to about $5.0 today. Rik Smits carries more projected upside (+40% vs. +20% over five years). Different bets: Rik Smits's value is cemented and rises on legacy, while Dereck Lively II's is speculative and swings on production.
People also compare