Shock for the Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II has to undergo another operation on his right foot and will be out of the NBA for the rest of the season. As the franchise confirmed, the procedure is intended to eliminate persistent pain. The 20-year-old only made seven appearances this season before the complaints arose again. According to doctors, Lively will make a “full recovery” and be ready to play again at the start of training camp for next season.
Even as a rookie, the 2.13 meter center played a key role in the Mavs’ surprising entry into the 2024 NBA Finals. Since then, the health setbacks have not stopped: out of 185 possible main round games, Lively was only on the floor 98 times. His yield remains respectable: 8.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on average – with high efficiency around the ring.
Chronic foot problems as a common thread
The young cornerstone had his greatest influence on defense anyway. There he increasingly acted as a boss and caused terror among opponents with his long arms.
Back in July, the big man had bone spurs removed from the same spot. Last season a broken ankle forced him to take a two and a half month break. In the current season he initially missed nine games due to a sprained right kneecap, returned in mid-November with a minute limit and was rested in several back-to-backs shortly afterwards. Before the away game in Miami, the operated foot swelled again – now the final emergency brake was applied.
Dallas is losing its most important rim protection, but hopes to have the powerful shot blocker fully resilient again next season.
