The Dallas Mavericks have confirmed a significant blow to their roster, with rookie center Dereck Lively II officially ruled out for the remainder of the season. The promising young player has undergone a successful season-ending surgery on his right foot to address persistent discomfort, the team announced.
Details of the Surgery and Recovery Timeline
The procedure was performed by renowned surgeon Dr. James Calder at the Fortius Clinic in London. According to the Mavericks' official statement released on Sunday, December 4th, the surgery was deemed the best course of action for Lively's long-term health after consultations with multiple specialists.
The team is optimistic about his recovery, stating he is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of training camp ahead of the 2024-2025 season. This timeline was later echoed by NBA insider Shams Charania, who broke the news on platform X.
A History of Foot Troubles for the Young Center
For the 21-year-old Lively, this setback is part of an unfortunate pattern. The 2023 lottery pick has been plagued by injuries to his right foot and lower leg since entering the league.
This season, he managed to appear in only seven games, last playing on November 21st in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 4.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in those limited appearances. His season was also interrupted earlier by a sprained right knee on October 26th.
The issues are not new. During his debut season, Lively missed 36 consecutive games due to a stress fracture in his right ankle, an injury initially misdiagnosed as a sprain. Furthermore, he underwent surgery this past July to remove bone spurs from the same right foot, making this latest procedure another chapter in an ongoing battle.
Team Impact and Official Statements
In Lively's absence, the Mavericks will rely more heavily on their other big men. Dwight Powell and Daniel Gafford are set to see increased minutes as the primary centers backing up star forward Anthony Davis.
Mavericks co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi expressed support for the young player, stating, "Dereck has handled every challenge of this season with professionalism and resilience. While this is a setback, we’re confident in his long-term future and will support him fully through his recovery."
The decision for surgery underscores the franchise's priority on securing Lively's health for the future, even at the cost of his presence for the current campaign. Fans and analysts will now watch closely to see how the Mavericks adjust their rotation and whether Lively can return to full strength next fall.
