The Dallas Mavericks just absorbed another major blow to an already chaotic season. Third-year center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot, officially ending what the team hoped would be a breakout campaign.
The announcement comes after Lively appeared in only seven of the team’s 25 games while battling persistent discomfort. In the minutes he did manage, the seven-footer gave Dallas exactly what they lacked up front: rim protection, vertical spacing, and stability on the back line. He was averaging 1.6 blocks per game and had quickly become the defensive anchor of the roster before shutting it down.
The Mavs confirmed the move on Wednesday, revealing that the injury “has not responded to treatment,” and that surgery was deemed the best option for long-term recovery, according to Yahoo Sports’ reporting.
While Lively’s loss would sting any year, it hits Dallas at a time when availability has been its own crisis. Veteran forward Anthony Davis just returned from his own stint on the injured list, averaging 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds, but managing to suit up for only ten games. He has played in four straight, and Dallas has won three of those contests.
The backcourt has not been spared either. Kyrie Irving has yet to appear this season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered last year. Daniel Gafford has dealt with lingering ankle issues and has logged only 15 games. Klay Thompson was sidelined recently with knee soreness, missing Saturday’s win over Houston, though he has played in 23 games overall.
Chaos has followed the franchise since trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers last season. The team selected Cooper Flagg with the number one pick, moved on from general manager Nico Harrison earlier this year, and continues to face ongoing trade speculation surrounding Davis.
Now, at 9-16 and sitting in eleventh place in the Western Conference, Dallas loses the one piece that consistently held their defense together.
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