Oct 26, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) looks for the ball during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) looks for the ball during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2026-27 season in the early stages of their rebuild. Having offloaded several players, the Mavericks have shown a clear commitment to building around the core of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. However, one could also say that Dereck Lively II remains a key member of that core.
While Cooper Flagg is arguably the Mavericks’ most prized possession at the moment, their center, Dereck Lively II, is also positioned as a promising young prospect. Unfortunately, the defensive-minded big man has faced recurring injury issues, keeping him sidelined for key portions of the campaign.
Needless to say, this has hurt Dallas. However, in a recent update by Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz, the franchise may have more to look forward to, as he discussed Dereck Lively II’s recovery progress on 105.3 The Fan’s “G-Bag Nation.”
“D-Live has been working his tail off. He’s in the facility constantly, completely locked into everything we’re doing and doing everything in his power to be his best self. Really, really proud of just the approach he’s taken and his mentality, his voice. He’s young, but he’s got a presence to him. Just having him in our facility every day and working his tail off to get to 100% is something that we feel every day.”
“He’s doing everything in his power, and we’re just really proud of the progress he’s made and continuing to chip away at everything as we get closer to the start of camp,” Schmitz concluded.
Dereck Lively II’s brief NBA career has been marked by recurring foot injuries, specifically his right foot. Last season, Lively appeared in only seven games (four starts) before suffering a serious foot injury in early December, which required season-ending surgery. He averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Since his latest injury, Lively has been making gradual progress, as the Mavericks reported that he was walking and lifting weights on June 26. While this is promising, with more recent updates suggesting he has also served as a coach at a basketball camp, it is clear that Dallas isn’t rushing his recovery.
For the most part, this could be a wise move by the Mavericks. Since being drafted, Dereck Lively II has struggled with foot injuries, specifically on his right foot. From stress fractures to bone spurs, Lively’s recurring injuries have limited his availability drastically. Still, the Mavericks seem keen to have him remain part of their rebuilding journey.
To some extent, Dallas’ patience with Lively could stem from the team’s big man depth. Although the 22-year-old is impactful when he is healthy and on the court, the Mavericks have been served by some reliable big men over the last season, with Anthony Davis being the most noteworthy name on the list.
Aside from Davis, who was sidelined only 20 games into the 2025-26 season, the Mavericks also benefited from the contributions of players such as Daniel Gafford. Now, after drafting Morez Johnson Jr. in the first round, the Mavericks have somewhat maintained this flexibility going into the upcoming campaign as well.
In many ways, the current situation appears quite positive for Dereck Lively II. Still, it would be unwise to say there are no risks involved.
At the end of the day, the NBA is also a business. Given how much time Lively has missed since being drafted, the Mavericks will also have questions about his availability moving forward. Thus, as the 22-year-old enters the final years of his rookie contract with Dallas, he must find a way to contribute consistently enough to remain part of their long-term outlook.