Dereck Lively II Underwent Surgery On Right Foot

Dallas Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II recently underwent surgery on his right foot. Lively II, 21, is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Lively II’s surgery came just days after Anthony Davis underwent retina surgery on his eye and rehab, along with Kyrie Irving’s rehab for his ACL tear. Read on for further details.

Dereck Lively II Underwent Surgery

The Dallas Mavericks’ de facto headline of the day was Shaquille O’Neal’s comment on how Cooper Flagg would fit into the Mavericks’ organization before the announcement of Dereck Lively II’s recent surgery on his right foot.

ESPN’s Shams Charania posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has undergone surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right foot, sources tell ESPN. He is expected to be healthy for training camp.” Charania’s post drew mixed reviews. One X user wrote, “Their whole team glass (weak and vulnerable),” while another X user responded, “Wish you speedy recovery.”

Lively II’s Future

Dereck Lively II’s future appears to be bright, sans the injuries and surgeries. Lively II will enter his third year in the NBA. Lively II is part of a talented and deep frontcourt rotation for the Dallas Mavericks. Lively II and Daniel Gafford are rather traditional rim-running centers, while Davis plays his preferred four, which could push Flagg to the three.

Last season, Lively II averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, and shot 70.2% from the field goal line. Lively II’s averages were before the Duke men’s basketball alum suffered a right ankle stress fracture just 36 games into the 2024-25 NBA regular season.

Final Thoughts

Dereck Lively II didn’t win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, but he’s set to play on a loaded Dallas Mavericks team. Lively II appears to be healthy enough to play a larger role for the Mavericks this upcoming season.