Dereck Lively II, the promising young center for the Dallas Mavericks, has reportedly undergone surgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot. The procedure, as first reported by Marc Stein, involved Lively being placed in a walking boot after the surgery.
However, the good news for the Mavericks is that Lively is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September, per subsequent reports.
Lively, who had a bit of an injury-plagued season last year, had already dealt with a small fracture in his foot (or ankle, depending on the report), which caused him to miss significant time during the 2024 season.
He appeared in only 36 games, averaging 8.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while playing about 23 minutes a night when healthy.
His injury woes were reportedly a flashpoint in a disagreement between the Mavericks’ medical and training teams, with some suggesting how to best treat him and manage his recovery. This controversy led to the departure of Keith Belton, the team’s athletic performance director.
What This Means for the Mavericks’ Frontcourt
Lively’s recovery and eventual return will be critical for the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation next season. The Mavs have a deep and talented mix of big men, including Lively, Daniel Gafford, and veteran Anthony Davis, who will all play key roles.
Lively and Gafford are both known for their rim-running abilities, while Davis is expected to take on the four position, which is his preferred spot. This will push Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ No. 1 pick, to play at the three position.
However, Flagg has shown that he can operate as more of a point-forward in the Summer League, so it’s likely that Jason Kidd will experiment with different lineups, including Davis at the five and Flagg at the four, at key moments throughout the season.
Along with P.J. Washington, who will provide bench depth, the Mavericks are building a well-rounded frontcourt that could become one of the team’s biggest strengths.
Lively’s Role and Future with the Mavericks
Now that Lively is expected to be healthy for the start of the season, he will likely play a larger role for the Mavericks. With his ability to contribute both on the boards and as a rim protector, Lively could become a key figure in the team’s rotation.
His development alongside players like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving (assuming Irving’s rehab goes as planned) could further elevate the Mavericks as they aim to improve on their performance from last season.
With so much talent up front, the Mavericks will have plenty of options to mix and match their lineup, giving coach Jason Kidd more flexibility. How Lively integrates into this new, deep rotation will be a storyline to follow in the upcoming season.
