Former NBA Performance & Rehab Director Offers Insight on Mavericks' Dereck Lively II's Injury
The Dallas Mavericks are navigating a challenging season marred by injuries, and center Dereck Lively II‘s situation draws particular attention. Lively has been sidelined since sustaining an injury on Jan. 14 during a loss against the Denver Nuggets and won’t be back in the lineup for an extended period.
Initially diagnosed with a right ankle sprain, the Mavericks later announced that Lively’s injury was more significant, being a stress fracture.
A former NBA Performance & Rehabilitation Director shared insights with DallasHoopsJournal.com, discussing the variability in game-day status reports across the league and interpreting Lively’s injury details based on the team’s announcements and external reports.
While Lively was listed as questionable on the day it was announced he would be sidelined for an extended period, some factors go into medical reporting, but this shouldn’t be considered a cause for concern.
“The gambit of game day status differs from team to team — every team manages those status updates differently,” the former NBA Performance & Rehabilitation Director explained. “Agent and player preferences can also play a role in those decisions.”
At first, Lively’s injury likely seemed like a foot or ankle sprain, and X-rays quickly excluded fractures—based on reporting. While listed as questionable to play, he traveled with the team to Charlotte and worked out in the weight room at Spectrum Center before being downgraded to out. His symptoms likely didn’t match a standard ankle sprain and continued in a manner indicating something more serious.
“Symptoms probably persisted and began not to align with the clinical presentation of an ankle sprain, most likely prompting follow-up imaging — probably MRI or CT scan, or both,” the former NBA Performance & Rehabilitation Director explained.
Subsequent imaging revealed a fracture. However, the exact fractured bone is unclear based on the team’s information and reporting. Communication about Lively’s recovery has been cautious. While ESPN’s Shams Charania suggested two to three months of recovery, the Mavericks’ official statements were more reserved, opting for a four-week re-evaluation. While this may be confusing to read, it is a different way of communicating the same information.
“Regarding the provided timelines, they are technically the same. Shams said out for two to three months. The team said to re-evaluate in four weeks,” the former NBA Performance & Rehabilitation Director clarified. “The team elected not to commit to a definitive timeline because they most likely will need to evaluate the rate of bone healing and symptoms within the first month to determine the extent of the long-term timeline.”
The location of the injured bone is significant in the healing timeline since blood supply varies. An additional variable even includes the injured area within the particular bone, not just the bone itself.
“Depending on what bone has the fracture plays a huge role. Certain bones in the foot or ankle have better blood supply than others,” the former NBA Performance & Rehabilitation Director added. “Also, the location within a particular bone matters because certain ends of bones can have variations in blood supply, too.”
Lively averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks in 32 games this season, amid emerging as the Mavericks’ starting center before his injury. In the 768 minutes he’s played, Dallas produced a 114.5 offensive rating, a 106.4 defensive rating, and an 8.1 net rating. Before widespread injuries on the roster, the Mavs displayed significant potential, with Lively’s interior presence on both ends being a key element.
The Mavericks will rely on Daniel Gafford and other center options, including Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell, to manage Lively’s extended absence. Dallas hopes to have Lively back in time for the postseason.
