COLLEYVILLE, Texas — Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has shed the walking boot he’s spent most of this year in, but still hasn’t progressed to running as he works his way back from multiple right foot surgeries.

Speaking to reporters after spending Friday afternoon with about 100 youth players at a Mavericks basketball camp, the 22-year-old said there is still no timetable for his return.

“I’m taking my time,” Lively said. “I’m taking even more time than I need to make sure I don’t ever have to deal with this foot again. So whenever I can get past that, get over this hill, I know I’ll be stress-free.”

Lively made an immediate impact for the Mavericks after being selected with the 12th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He averaged 7.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and one block as a rookie during Dallas’ 2024 postseason run, which concluded with a 4-1 series loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

But injuries have limited Lively to 43 games over the past two seasons. He appeared in 36 games in his second season due to a stress fracture in his right ankle. In July 2025, he had surgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot.

Lively was available to play at the beginning of last season, but he only appeared in seven games before he underwent another right foot surgery in December. He still has three months before the Mavericks begin training camp.

“I’m just waiting to see if my foot is good,” Lively said. “Even when it’s good, I have to wait even more to make sure I don’t have to deal with this again. I’m not going to rush back or worry about that. I have to take the things the public has to say about me — I’m brittle and all that — but whenever I come back, don’t forget who I am.”

Lively has leaned heavily on former Mavericks center Tyson Chandler throughout his recovery. Chandler played for the Mavericks in two separate stints and was a key member of Dallas’ 2011 title team.

“He’s helped me stay centered and worried about the things I need to be worried about,” Lively said. “And that’s what I can control. My diet. That’s definitely been a big change. I’m able to lift a lot more. I’m a lot more flexible. I’ve been trying to do 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day. No matter if I’m swimming or if I’m walking, just trying to stay in shape.”