After a promising rookie season, Dereck Lively missed a large portion of last year due to injury. Ahead of his third campaign with the Dallas Mavericks, he seems ready to return to form and be a key contributor to the supporting cast.
Back in January, Lively suffered a foot injury that left him shelved for months. He was able to return for the final stretch of the regular season, appearing in four games in the month of April.
Lively, a former lottery pick, has been a viable contributor for the Mavericks since he entered the league. Albeit a small sample size, he finished the 2025 campaign with averages of 8.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 2.4 APG.
Dereck Lively expected to be available for the Mavericks in training camp
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Over the weekend, Mavericks insider [Grant Afseth](https://dallashoopsjournal.com/p/dereck-lively-ii-progressing-dallas-mavericks-training-camp-nba-news/) detailed the latest regarding the Mavericks' big man. He reported that Lively underwent a procedure on his injured foot this offseason, but isn't expected to miss time to start the year.
> Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II reportedly underwent offseason surgery to remove bone spurs in his right foot, but he is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp.
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> The 21-year-old suffered a stress fracture in his right foot that was identified in January, resulting in him missing an extended period. The Mavericks and their medical staff determined a surgical clean-up would prevent the issue from recurring.
Getting a fully healthy Lively back is a big boost for the Mavericks ahead of the 2026 campaign. They've built their new-look roster with defense in mind, and he is a key part of that. Alongside All-Star Anthony Davis, Lively will provide more size and rim protection in Dallas' frontcourt.
After signing Daniel Gafford to an extension, the Mavericks had a viable option in the event Lively wouldn't be ready for training camp. However, as one of the roster's top young prospects, his development is crucial to their long-term plans.