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Dereck Lively II Progressing Ahead of Dallas Mavericks Training Camp

Grant Afsethno comment

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II reportedly underwent offseason surgery to remove bone spurs in his right foot, but he is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp.

The 21-year-old suffered a stress fracture in his right foot that was identified in January, resulting in him missing an extended period. The Mavericks and their medical staff determined a surgical clean-up would prevent the issue from recurring.

The Mavericks also posted a video of him working out in Philadelphia this summer, providing another positive sign of his progression before training camp.

Lively averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 36 games last season. In four appearances alongside Anthony Davis after Dallas’ midseason trade, he averaged 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. His defense and rebounding remain central to the Mavericks’ plans.

For much of his Mavericks career, Lively worked closely with former assistant coach Sean Sweeney, including at Duke’s Pro Devils Weekend last summer. After Sweeney joined the San Antonio Spurs, Lively continued that routine this offseason by bringing Mavericks head video coordinator Riley Crean — who previously worked under Sweeney — to Philadelphia to help oversee his training at Temple University.

Dallas enters the 2025–26 season having added veterans and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, but questions remain about Kyrie Irving’s status. Lively’s health and development are viewed as critical factors in determining whether the team can make a significant step forward in the Western Conference.

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Tags :Anthony DavisCooper FlaggDallas MavericksDereck Lively IIKyrie IrvingNBANBA NewsRiley CreanSean Sweeney

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
is a Senior Writer for Dallas Hoops Journal and a lead contributor to Roundtable.io. With over a decade of experience as a credentialed journalist, Afseth provides elite tactical analysis and front-office strategy for the Mavericks, Wings, and Texas basketball. His reporting is featured across national platforms including Newsweek, RG.org, Hoops Rumors, and Athlon Sports. A primary source for the basketball community, his work is frequently cited by Wikipedia, RealGM, and Basketball-Reference. He previously served as a Mavericks and NBA reporter for Sports Illustrated's FanNation and Rockets/OnSI, as well as Ballislife, Heavy Sports, ClutchPoints, and NBA Analysis Network. During the Mavericks' 2024 NBA Finals run and the pivotal 2025 offseason—featuring his lead reporting on the Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade—he served as a featured insider for The Texas Standard and BBC Sport Radio. Afseth is a regular guest on Fox 4 Dallas and 105.3 The Fan. He previously reported for the Kokomo Tribune and Winsidr. Follow his real-time reporting on X @GrantAfseth.
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