NBA: Mavericks Dealt With Another Blow! Dereck Lively II Undergoes Foot Surgery

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 17:03 IST

Lively is recovering from minor surgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot. Despite past injuries, the center is expected to be ready for training camp.

Dereck Lively II of the Dallas Mavericks (X)

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is recovering from a surgical procedure to remove bone spurs from his right foot, according to a report from ESPN on Tuesday.

The procedure is considered minor, and Lively is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of training camp in late September.

Lively has already battled injury issues early in his NBA career. He missed more than two months during the 2024–25 season due to a stress fracture in the same foot. Despite those challenges, the 21-year-old is projected to be fully healthy when the team reconvenes for preseason preparations.

During the season, Lively appeared in 36 games—starting in 29—and averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.

Selected 12th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, the 7-foot-1 center has averaged 8.8 points and 7.1 rebounds across 91 games (71 starts) in his young career.

Despite his injury history, Lively remains a core part of the Mavericks’ long-term plans. His defensive instincts, rim protection, and rebounding ability provide Dallas with a strong interior presence.

Injury Concerns Across the Roster

Lively is one of three major Mavericks players recovering from injuries this offseason. Star guard Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL late last season and is expected to miss most—if not all—of the upcoming 2025–26 campaign.

Veteran forward Anthony Davis is also in recovery following surgery to repair a detached retina. He is expected to be cleared in time for training camp.

Though Lively did not take home the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award last season, he is poised to play a vital role on a Mavericks roster filled with emerging talent.

Dallas enters the 2025–26 season with high expectations and a refreshed lineup. The arrival of No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg has injected new energy into the organization.

Flagg joins a frontcourt rotation that includes Lively, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington—offering the Mavericks increased depth, size, and versatility.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports NBA: Mavericks Dealt With Another Blow! Dereck Lively II Undergoes Foot Surgery