NBA injury update: Dallas Mavericks face tough blow as star Dereck Lively II ruled out with season-ending foot surgery

Dereck Lively, a center for the Dallas Mavericks, has finally finished his foot surgery. He had successful surgery on his right foot, the team said on Sunday. Dr. James Calder performed the procedure at the Fortius Clinic in London. Lively looked for other perspectives on his right foot.

The third-year center is anticipated to fully recover before the 2026–2027 season, however it was eventually decided that season-ending surgery was the best course of action. In Lively's absence, Dwight Powell and Daniel Gafford will continue to be Dallas' primary big men behind Anthony Davis.

Dallas Mavericks rule out Dereck Lively II for season after right foot surgery

The Dallas Mavericks announced on Wednesday that center Dereck Lively II would have season-ending surgery on his right foot to treat persistent soreness. It is expected that Lively, who played in seven games this season, will fully recover and be prepared for training camp to begin.

The team stated on December 4 that Lively was consulting several experts to address his foot problem. In the end, Dallas and Lively decided that the best course of action for his long-term health was to have season-ending surgery.

Due to recurrent foot and knee problems, he has only made seven appearances this season and hasn't played since November 21. Due to a stress fracture in his right ankle, he missed 36 consecutive games during the previous season. During the summer, he also underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his right foot.



Announcing the news, Shams Charania wrote on X:

“Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending right foot procedure to address lingering discomfort, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon. Lively, who played 7 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery.”

Additionally, the team's official announcement read:

"The Dallas Mavericks announced that center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot.. Lively is expected to make a full recovery and be available for the start of training camp. Further updates will be provided as appropriate."

For Lively, missing time due to injury is nothing new. Lively, a 2023 lottery pick, has been prone to ailments since his stellar debut season in 2023–2024. The 21-year-old only played in seven games this season due to ongoing issues with his right foot.

Injuries continue to disrupt Dereck Lively II’s momentum as Dallas prioritizes his long-term health

Additionally, he missed more than two months of the previous season due to a right foot stress fracture. Matt Riccardi, co-interim general manager of the Mavericks:

“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.”

Due to foot swelling and discomfort, Lively only participated in seven games this season. Lively's most recent game was a victory over the Pelicans on November 21. Additionally, he lost almost three weeks due to a sprained right knee that occurred on October 26.

Since late November, he had been unable to play due to "right foot injury management." He averaged 4.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in his seven games. According to the most current post, Lively was seeking additional testing due to foot pain and swelling.

Prior to that, he underwent bone spur removal surgery on his right foot in July. Due to a stress fracture in his right ankle, which was initially misdiagnosed as a right ankle sprain, he missed two and a half months of the previous season. Therefore, the Mavs currently have to play without the stars.


Also read: NBA injury update: Dereck Lively II faces tough setback as Dallas Mavericks center opts for season-ending surgery



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