Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II missed time over the last several seasons due to multiple injuries. Photo by Adam Davis/EPA
Dec. 10 (UPI) — Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will have season-ending surgery to address discomfort in his right foot, the team announced Wednesday. He is expected to make a full recovery and to be ready for training camp.
Lively averaged just 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks over seven appearances this season. The 7-foot-1 center missed nine games earlier this year due to a sprained knee. He returned to the lineup Nov. 14.
Lively also missed time last season because of a stress fracture in his right ankle.
The No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 blocks per game over 36 appearances last season. He logged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 assists per game as a rookie.
The Mavericks (9-16), who won four of their last five games, will host the Brooklyn Nets (6-17) at 8:30 p.m. EST Friday in Dallas.
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali’s rivalry became one of boxing’s most defining trilogies. Frazier (R) staggers after taking a hard right from Ali during the 14th round of their title fight in Manila, on October 1, 1975. Ali won by TKO to retain the heavyweight championship. UPI File Photo | License Photo