Mavericks’ big man Dereck Lively II has not been cleared for training camp as he continues to recover from right foot surgery, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. His status for the season’s start is still under review as he continues his rehabilitation.
The reporting emphasizes that the Mavericks are not discouraged by his progress. It is important to note that Lively wore a boot throughout the season and hadn’t progressed to running as of June 26. Dallas has erred on the side of caution with Lively’s recovery
under the front office’s new structure.
Dallas starts its training camp on Saturday. The Mavericks preseason commences on Oct. 9 in Macao, China.
Lively, who has appeared in 98 of 246 eligible games since being drafted in 2023, was a key piece in Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals in 2024. After making an early impact for the Mavericks in his rookie season as the 12th overall pick in the draft, he suffered multiple foot injuries and setbacks that have kept him off the floor since Nov. 2025.
The beginning of Lively’s injury woes started with an ankle stress fracture in January 2025 that was previously misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain. Mismanagement of his injury eventually required surgery to remove bone spurs in his foot in July 2025, and he returned to action for just seven games last season. He continued to deal with foot soreness and swelling through those seven games before being shut down for the season in December.
The defensive-minded center is heading into a contract year, where the Mavericks will have to decide where Lively fits within their future around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and company. The 7’1” big man’s size and versatility as a defender allow him an opportunity to be in Dallas’ long-term plans, health permitting. His finishing abilities and promise shown as a passer can allow him to carve a significant role in building a contender around Flagg. Lively averaged 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in his 98 career games.
The additions of Lively, Kyrie Irving, and other Mavericks offseason acquisitions gives the team a new look moving forward around their budding star in Flagg.
