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.