Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending foot surgery
Dallas Mavericks center Derek Lively II is expected to pass season-ending foot surgery, the team announced Wednesday. Lively has dealt with injury concerns this season. The 21-year-old center has potential, but has missed significant time with injuries so far in his career.
The good news is that he is expected to make a full recovery and be available for training camp next season. Still, Dallas will no doubt miss Lively’s presence.
Mavericks co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi issued a statement after updating Lively.
“Derek has handled every challenge this season with professionalism and resilience,” Ricciardi said. “Although this is a setback, we are confident in his long-term future and will fully support him throughout his recovery.”
With Lively expected to miss the rest of the campaign, Anthony Davies could spend more time at center as opposed to forward. Davis and Daniel Gafford has been mentioned as a trade candidatebut one has to wonder if Lively’s update will affect the Mavericks’ trade plans.
Dallas currently holds a 9-16 record, ranking 11th overall in the Western Conference. It’s been a disappointing season for the Mavs, but they’re only half a game out of a playoff spot. Rumors of a rebuild have been swirling for months, but the Mavericks could compete this season when Kyrie Irving returns from injury.
However, the absence of Derek Lively II’s injury obviously won’t help their chances of making the postseason. The Mavs will have to decide if they want to enter a rebuild fairly quickly with the trade deadline set for February.
As for Lively, we will continue to monitor and provide updates on his injury status as they become available.
2025-12-10 17:18:00
