Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II knows what it’s like to be the kid looking up to professional basketball players. That’s why he made it a point to spend time talking and encouraging campers at Mavs Academy Hoop Camp on Saturday.

Connecting with kids is one of the greatest benefits to Lively’s job.

“I love it,” Lively said. “That’s why you gotta do these things. Be interactive with the kids in the community and the kids that look up to you and believe in you.”

He wants them to know it’s possible to achieve their dreams of playing professional basketball.

“Whenever they see us on TV, they think they’re superheroes,” Lively said. “Whenever they come to see them in person, they actually realize you’re human. And then they can realize that they can get to the position that I’m in.”

The Mavericks’ Mavs Academy camps give young athletes across North Texas the opportunity to develop their skills while learning from current and former Mavericks players.

Lively knows how much of an impact it can have as he thinks back to basketball camps he attended growing up in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

“If I’m being honest, I’m a big kid,” Lively said. “I remember 10 years ago I was with them. I was in their position. So I know that being in camps and having someone that you can look up to come, it makes a really big impact.”

So he does everything he can to make it less intimidating for them.

“I always remembered that whenever the college players came out, we got so nervous,” Lively said. “That’s why when I’m here, I try to do as many high fives, as many interactions that I can with the kids. Every time that they laugh, that means I did something good.”

Lively’s message for kids is to focus on playing hard rather than making flashy plays.

“It’s not about how many three-pointers you can make, how many times you can dunk,” Lively said. “It’s about heart.”

Playing hard on defense is one way he said kids can learn to stand out.

“You can have the best crossover and the best shot in the world, but if you can’t guard, you can’t go nowhere,” Lively said. “If you put your heart in front of somebody and make sure they can’t get by you, that means something.”

He also appreciated how much the kids enjoyed being at the camp.

“Seeing how much they care means a lot because they’re going to take that into other things they have in life,” Lively said.

Away from the game, Lively beamed when talking about his daughter.

“She’s kind of gravitating to realize that I’m a basketball player,” Lively said. “She’ll pick up a basketball and give it to me every time. She has a little goal at home and she knows how to dunk because she’s tall.”

Whether basketball or volleyball ends up being her sport, Lively joked that his biggest concern is making sure she earns a college scholarship.

“I hope she takes up basketball. But hopefully later on we can try to get her into uniform, even though some of my family members want her to play volleyball,” Lively said. “But as long as you go to college for free, that’s all I care about.”

Lively also provided an update on his recovery, and how he has tried to embrace the process.

“With this injury, I’ve really been taking things for what it is,” Lively said. “I went from being on a scooter to crutches, to one crutch, to just a boot and now to be able to walk. I’m really just thankful for the small milestones.”

While fans continue to wonder when Lively will return to the court, he’s not going to rush the process.

“I’m taking even more time than I need to make sure I don’t have to deal with this foot again,” Lively said.

When asked if he has a timeline for his return, he was clear.

“I can’t even say that,” Lively said. “I’m just waiting to see that my foot’s good. I’m never gonna rush back.”

Lastly, Lively addressed the critics who have questioned his injuries.

“People say I’m brittle and all that. Cool,” Lively said. “Whenever I come back, don’t forget who I am.”

Lively has leaned on former Mavericks center Tyson Chandler to help him through the recovery process.

“He’s helped me big time just to stay mentally where I need to be,” Lively said. “I’ve definitely called him a lot going through this. He’s helped me stay whole. He helped me stay centered and worry about things I need to worry about.”

Staying active and eating better have been goals of his during the recovery process.

As Dallas heads to Summer League, Lively is excited to meet the team’s newest players.

“I’m just happy that we’re able to get past that and now we’re just able to meet them,” Lively said. “I’m excited to talk Legos with [Mavs rookie Morez Johnson Jr.] and see what we can build. I’m excited to get down to Summer League and just be a part of the team.”