Jason Kidd reveals message to Derek Lively II amid season-ending foot surgery update

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd discussed Derek Lively II’s season-ending surgery on his right leg, which will deal with lingering issues that have forced him to miss the last three weeks. Lively II, who played in just seven games this season, had surgery on his right foot in July to drain bone spurs. He also missed nine games earlier this season with a sprained right knee, but returned on Nov. 14 with limited minutes.

Kidd revealed what Lively II said about the Mavericks’ decision to move on surgery at the end of the seasonper ClutchPoints by Joey Mistretta.

“We’re here to support, like I’ve always said, it’s the next man up mentality,” Kidd said. “It’s just unfortunate that he has to have this operation, but like I told him, it’s only going to make him stronger when he comes back.”

Jason Kidd on the news that Derek Lively II will undergo season-ending foot surgery pic.twitter.com/kk6EMsIJ6N

— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) December 12, 2025

Lively II helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals in his rookie season. He played in 55 games in 2023-24, starting 42 of them, as he earned the job during the regular season. Lively II has played just 43 regular season games since then.

During his career, he averaged 8.4 points on 72.5% shooting, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

Jason Kidd reacts to the injury to Derek Lively II of the Mavericks

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd discussed Derek Lively II’s options following his injury before the team announced season-ending foot surgery. Kidd understood how another unfortunate setback could weigh on the 21-year-old center, whose three-year career has thus far been plagued by injuries.

Kidd hoped for the best, but unfortunately, Lively II opted for a season-ending procedure that will keep him sidelined until next season. Kidd sympathized with Lively II, according to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.

“Hopefully, as he goes through this process of finding second opinions about what he needs to do, it brings determination and he can get back to the game because we miss him, but he misses the game. Hopefully there’s some conclusion to that and he’s back on the floor for us because we miss him.”

The Mavericks beat the Nets 119-111 on Friday, their fifth win in six tries, improving to 10-16 on the season.