Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II reportedly underwent offseason surgery to remove bone spurs in his right foot, but he is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp.
The 21-year-old suffered a stress fracture in his right foot that was identified in January, resulting in him missing an extended period. The Mavericks and their medical staff determined a surgical clean-up would prevent the issue from recurring.
The Mavericks also posted a video of him working out in Philadelphia this summer, providing another positive sign of his progression before training camp.
Lively averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 36 games last season. In four appearances alongside Anthony Davis after Dallas’ midseason trade, he averaged 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. His defense and rebounding remain central to the Mavericks’ plans.
For much of his Mavericks career, Lively worked closely with former assistant coach Sean Sweeney, including at Duke’s Pro Devils Weekend last summer. After Sweeney joined the San Antonio Spurs, Lively continued that routine this offseason by bringing Mavericks head video coordinator Riley Crean — who previously worked under Sweeney — to Philadelphia to help oversee his training at Temple University.
Dallas enters the 2025–26 season having added veterans and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, but questions remain about Kyrie Irving’s status. Lively’s health and development are viewed as critical factors in determining whether the team can make a significant step forward in the Western Conference.
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