What To Expect From Dereck Lively During 2025-26 Season

The Dallas Mavericks have revamped their roster so far this offseason. The Mavericks’ new-look roster may or may not work well together. However, there’s some optimism as Dereck Lively is reportedly looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued season in 2024-25. Here is what to expect from him during the 2025-26 season.

What To Expect From Lively

The Dallas Mavericks may make another trade or two this offseason. But, for now, Mavericks fans will get what they see on Opening Night on October 21. This includes Lively. He is a 7-foot-1 center who played college basketball at Duke in 2022-23. The Mavericks selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Mavericks’ selection was initially met with skepticism, but some Mavericks fans eventually recognized the fact that he is one of the top up-and-coming centers in the NBA.

Lively’s presence is also worth noting. He is a freak of nature. He is also a solid defender, best known for blocking shots and intimidating opponents into changing the course of their shots.

Dereck Lively’s Career So Far

Lively’s career saw a fast start two seasons ago and an unfortunate injury last season. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2023-24 after averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 74.4% from the field in 23.5 minutes. He also started in 42 of 55 games in his rookie year.

Unfortunately, his sophomore season took a turn for the worse. He suffered a right ankle stress fracture, but managed to average 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, while shooting 70.2% from the field in 23.1 minutes. He underwent surg ery last month to remove bone spurs from his right foot.

Final Thoughts

Lively is an extremely athletic center who likes to run the court. He is also extremely active around the basket, and is a three-level threat who poses problems as a scorer, defender, and rebounder.

Lively’s stats in points, rebounds, and blocked shots are expected to rise during the 2025-26 NBA season. He will likely split playing time with fellow Center Daniel Gafford again. Both Lively and Gafford, 26, are impactful players for the Mavericks.