The Dallas Mavericks have announced that center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot to address ongoing discomfort. The decision, confirmed on Wednesday, stems from issues that have plagued Lively throughout his career. He has played only seven games this season and is expected to recover fully in time for the start of training camp.
Lively, who was a significant contributor during the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals, has faced multiple injury challenges. In his career, he has participated in only 98 of 185 possible regular-season games, averaging 8.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
In July 2023, Lively underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot. His previous season was marred by a stress fracture in his right ankle, which was initially misdiagnosed as a sprained ankle. This injury caused him to miss over two months of play. Earlier this season, he also missed nine games due to a sprained right knee.
Lively returned to the court on November 14, 2023, but played with restrictions, limited to 18 minutes per game over four appearances. He sat out during the Mavericks’ November 22 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies for injury management related to his right knee. The team later reported that Lively began experiencing swelling and discomfort in his surgically repaired foot, prompting a reevaluation set for seven to ten days after the announcement.
As the Mavericks look ahead, they will have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their promising young talents. The hope is that his surgery will pave the way for a healthier future as Lively aims to return stronger for the next season.
