The Dallas Mavericks are dealing with another injury concern involving their promising young center, but this time, there’s cautious optimism about the timeline. Dereck Lively II recently underwent surgery on the same right foot that caused problems during the 2024-25 season, yet the team expects him to be ready for training camp.
How Will Dereck Lively II’s Bone Spur Surgery Affect His Training Camp Availability?
The 2024-25 season brought significant turbulence for the Mavericks, with injuries limiting key players like Lively and Kyrie Irving. Now, according to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, Lively faces another recovery period after undergoing a surgical procedure on his right foot.
The procedure targeted bone spurs in Lively’s foot, a less invasive approach than what the team initially feared might be necessary. Dallas had hoped to avoid more involved surgery, especially considering the former Duke standout missed 36 games during the 2024-25 season after suffering a stress fracture in his right ankle. Following the recent procedure, Lively is currently in a walking boot as he begins his recovery process.
Dallas’ Dereck Lively II recently underwent a procedure on his right foot, @TheSteinLine has learned, followed by placement in a boot.
This means three key Mavericks are in injury recovery: Kyrie Irving (knee), Anthony Davis (eye) and Lively.
More NBA: https://t.co/BgHQ3yvNV2 pic.twitter.com/09EqnCQTb7
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 15, 2025
Despite the setback, the timeline appears manageable. Lively is expected to be ready for training camp in a couple of months, giving him adequate time to heal and prepare for the upcoming season. This recovery period should allow him to return to full strength without rushing back too quickly.
What Did Lively Accomplish Before His Previous Injury Absence?
Before his significant absence during the 2024-25 campaign, Lively had established himself as a rising contributor to the Mavericks’ rotation. In his second season out of Duke University, he averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, showing continued development in his offensive game while maintaining his defensive presence.
His rookie year performance was even more impressive, as Lively’s contributions helped propel Dallas to the NBA Finals. Playing alongside Daniel Gafford in the team’s frontcourt rotation, he demonstrated the versatility and impact that made him such an intriguing prospect coming out of college.
The 7-foot-1, 230-pound center made an immediate statement in his NBA debut, helping Dallas get over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs (126–119). Lively recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds, one block, and one steal in that memorable performance, showcasing the complete skill set that earned him NBA All-Rookie second team honors.
How Will Dallas Manage Their Frontcourt Depth During Multiple Recovery Periods?
The Mavericks face a challenging situation with multiple key players in various stages of injury recovery. Along with Lively, veteran center Anthony Davis is currently on the team’s injury report after having surgery to repair a detached retina he suffered during the season. Meanwhile, Irving continues his recovery from an ACL injury that is expected to sideline him for a considerable portion of the upcoming season.
Dallas will lean heavily on their remaining frontcourt options, including power forward P.J. Washington and center Dwight Powell. The team also added an intriguing piece through the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. This young addition to their rotation of big men provides both immediate depth and long-term potential as the team navigates these injury challenges.
Originally drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 12th pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Lively was quickly traded to Dallas, where he’s found his home. His ability to contribute immediately as a rookie, combined with his continued development in year two, makes his return from this latest procedure crucial for the Mavericks’ frontcourt stability moving forward.
