It has not been an easy year for the Dallas Mavericks, as in addition to the noise off the court surrounding the Nico Harrison case, the Texas franchise finds itself in a difficult sporting situation, currently outside the play in positions and far from a context that would allow them to compete for the championship.

On top of that, with recent days bringing trade rumors that could involve several players on the roster, including Anthony Davis, this week in Dallas the name of Dereck Lively II has also made headlines. The 21 year old center has appeared in just seven games so far this season due to recurring physical issues.

Dereck Lively II

Dereck Lively II

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Those same problems will now prevent Lively from playing any further games this campaign, as the Dallas Mavericks confirmed on Wednesday that, after seeking multiple medical opinions, the young big man will have to undergo surgery once again to address his persistent right foot issues, a procedure that will sideline him until the start of the 2026 27 season. 

According to the Mavericks’ statement, he is expected to make a full recovery from the injury and return in time for next training camp. 

Foot problems are nothing new for Dereck Lively II, as he already underwent surgery on the same foot in July to remove bone spurs. 

During the 2024 25 season, he also missed more than two months of competition due to a stress fracture that had initially been diagnosed as an ankle sprain. 

At the start of this campaign, in addition to his right foot issues, he also dealt with a sprain to his right knee that kept him out of action for three weeks.

During his rookie year, Lively became a key piece for Dallas in their run to the NBA Finals, where he showed flashes of his considerable potential as an interior defender and finisher. 

However, since then he has struggled to find continuity and, out of nearly 190 possible games, he has played 98 in his career, averaging 8.4 points, 8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.