Mavericks Practice Insights: Lively's Development and Key Takeaways in Preseason Prep

As the Dallas Mavericks gear up for the regular season, Tuesday’s practice illuminated key injury updates, the ongoing development of young players, and Klay Thompson’s rigorous preparation. This practice followed a competitive 121-116 preseason loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, where several stars, including Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Thompson, were sidelined.

Observations from Tuesday’s Dallas Mavericks Practice

Klay Thompson’s Habits: During the limited viewing period of Tuesday’s practice, it was evident that Thompson was extremely intentional about his on-court work. Whether in Las Vegas during two-a-day practices, before Fan Jam, or prior to the Mavericks’ preseason opener—despite not playing—Thompson has followed a strict daily routine that reflects his high standards for execution. He’s already regarded as a strong veteran presence leading by example.

Focus on “Veer” Switching: The Mavericks’ bigs, including Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, focused on “Veer” switching concepts under the guidance of assistant coach Sean Sweeney. This defensive technique requires the big defender to make a judgment call on whether to switch when containing a drive, necessitating that the on-ball defender take responsibility for the roller.

During Tuesday’s practice, emphasis was placed on defending various actions beyond basic high pick-and-roll scenarios, including dribble handoffs (DHOs) and wide pin-downs. Naji Marshall actively participated in this drill as the on-ball defender, helping to strengthen the connection between the bigs and the perimeter players they might work alongside.

Tyson Chandler’s Insights: As Lively mentioned, one of his goals is to improve as a free-throw shooter. He spent a significant amount of time getting shots up alongside the Mavericks’ other bigs. When Lively isn’t at the free-throw line, he often receives feedback from Tyson Chandler to fine-tune his technique.

Lots of Internal Excitement: Much of the Mavericks’ roster engaged in individual drills during the viewing portion of practice. While Dončić has been sidelined, Thompson has been acclimating to the system and building chemistry with Irving on the practice court. There is considerable intrigue about how dynamic the Mavericks’ offense can be from everyone I’ve spoken with, especially with Thompson and Irving, both of whom command heavy attention, are great catch-and-shoot players, and are willing screeners. With lob threats at center and wings capable of re-driving at a high level, the potential for “advantage basketball” is high.

What We Learned About Dallas Mavericks Injuries

Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving fully practiced on Tuesday ahead of the Mavericks’ next preseason matchup against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Kidd indicated that both players will “most likely” play in the team’s final three preseason games.

“Going forward, Klay and Kai will most likely play in the last three preseason games to get that continuity against the opponent and get some rhythm going,” Kidd said.

Luka Dončić continues to recover from a left calf contusion sustained early in training camp. He was seen on the court during Sunday’s Fan Jam but didn’t play, only getting shots up. He was shooting alongside Irving, Jaden Hardy, and Markieff Morris after Tuesday’s practice,e but was not a full participant.

“Hopefully, Luka’s back soon so we can get those guys paired up and ready,” Kidd remarked after Monday’s game.

Dončić is expected to be re-evaluated on Wednesday, and while his availability for the rest of the preseason is uncertain, Kidd mentioned that there is “no concern” regarding his potential availability for the regular season.

Maxi Kleber has been sidelined recently due to a left ankle sprain. However, it was an encouraging sign that he was getting shots up at the Mavericks’ practice facility on Tuesday. An exact timetable for his return has yet to be revealed.

Danté Exum is anticipated to be out for the foreseeable future due to a right wrist injury. Clarity regarding Exum’s recovery timetable should emerge soon as treatment options are evaluated. Should he require surgery, it could lead to an extended recovery period.

Kidd also highlighted two-way contract signee Brandon Williams as a player the team could rely on in Exum’s absence, despite Williams also dealing with a right calf strain.

“He’s going to be out. But next man up,” Kidd stated. “When you look at Brandon and Spencer, they have the opportunity to get those minutes, and Hardy will also be looking to get those minutes too. With the depth that we have, it’s a ‘next man up’ mentality.”

P.J. Washington was inactive on Monday due to left hip tightness, but Kidd assured there was “no concern.” Washington participated in a lengthy pre-game workout, indicating that his return is imminent.

The Mavericks have not yet had the chance to see much of Kessler Edwards, who has also been dealing with a left ankle sprain. “Kessler hasn’t played yet due to injury, but we like what we’ve seen on tape and can’t wait to see him on the floor,” Kidd said.

Dereck Lively II Expanding His Game

Dereck Lively II has emerged as a bright spot for the Mavericks this preseason, showcasing his versatility and commitment to improvement. He contributed 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting, along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the loss to Memphis. Known primarily for his defensive presence, Lively has been actively working to expand his offensive game, including his ball-handling and shooting.

“I’ve been working on my game, whether it’s putting the ball on the floor, playing out of the pocket, or being in the short corner,” Lively said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’ve been trying to expand my game as much as possible. Whenever I get the chance to show what I can do, I sit back and watch. But I’m not out here forcing shots or possessions because I have a great team around me. Whenever I find my time to shine or put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, I’ll do it. But I’m not going to try to do it every possession because that’s not how we’re going to play and that’s not how we’re going to get back to the finals.”

Lively’s growth in his offensive skill set reflects his commitment to improvement. He highlighted a significant area of development: his touch around the rim. “My touch feels a lot better—whether it’s a hook with my left hand, right hand, a floater, or a little push shot,” he explained. “Overall, my touch feels a lot better—more under control, more balanced, and I’m more comfortable. Having that first year under my belt has allowed me to settle into who I am.”

Hard work with assistant coach Sean Sweeney has been instrumental in Lively’s progress. “I just want to thank Sean Sweeney. He’s been motivating me, pushing me harder than any coach has. Whether it’s ball handling, touch shots, or threes, he’s been the toughest on me, but I’ve had the most growth in my game because of it,” Lively noted. “Whenever you see all the workouts you’ve been doing show up in a game, it just makes you want to go back and work harder.”

In addition to his individual goals, Lively emphasized the team’s depth and competition. “We like to compete, you know, we’re real. We’ve got some real depth to this team. We’ve got a lot of characters, a lot of utilities, a lot of abilities to score the ball, and a lot of ways to play when it matters on the floor,” he said. This depth is particularly important as the Mavericks aim for a deep playoff run.

With Lively and other young players stepping up, the Mavericks are focused on building a strong foundation for the upcoming season, especially as they work to integrate key players back into the lineup.

Jaden Hardy Earns Praise from Jason Kidd

Jaden Hardy also shone in the preseason opener, contributing 21 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals. His ability to create plays and contribute defensively has caught the attention of Jason Kidd, who highlighted Hardy’s evolution from a scorer to a more well-rounded playmaker.

“Yeah, I think we talked about Hardy’s process. He’s been growing each year. He came in as a scorer—he can score, he can shoot it—and now he’s added the ability to playmake,” Kidd explained. “You saw it with the nine assists last night. We will continue to put him in positions not just to score but to make plays for his teammates. He’s up for that challenge, and he’s worked extremely hard this summer on his game to do that.”

Hardy acknowledged his role in running the offense, saying, “I had a chance to run the point and get us organized. I feel like I did a great job getting everyone involved and just having fun out there.” His ongoing growth in decision-making and leadership played a crucial role in Dallas’ success during this stretch.

Now entering his third season, Hardy is focused on becoming more than just a scorer. “Coach Kidd wants me to be a playmaker, not just someone who scores the ball,” he stated. “He’s looking for me to get others involved, make the right reads, and knock down open shots. But most importantly, he’s looking for defensive energy, being able to bring intensity on that end of the floor.”

Playing alongside stars like Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić means Hardy must find ways to impact the game beyond scoring. “When you play with guys like Luka and Kyrie, they’re such great scorers that you have to bring something else to the table,” Hardy added. “For me, it’s about being a two-way player, contributing defensively, and making the right decisions offensively.”

Kidd also praised Hardy’s defensive presence, emphasizing the importance of his intensity on both ends of the floor. “He’s shown he can play with Luka and Kai in big situations. Defensively, he can guard the ball, and he’s grown a lot over the last three years. We’re looking for him to have a big jump this season,” Kidd said.

Roster Cut: Dallas Mavericks Waive A.J. Lawson

The Mavericks officially waived guard A.J. Lawson on Tuesday, creating flexibility ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Lawson, who joined the Mavericks during the 2022-23 season on a two-way deal, appeared in 56 games, averaging 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds.

Against the Grizzlies, Lawson contributed 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 20 minutes off the bench. Although he showed promise, the decision to waive him was anticipated as Markieff Morris remains on an Exhibit 9 contract with the team needing a roster spot to sign him to a standard deal before cutting Lawson.

“Yeah, A.J.’s been great for us. Unfortunately, they waived him today, and we wish him the best of luck,” Kidd stated. “He did everything we asked, and there was a big jump in his game. But, looking at the numbers, management had to make a decision.”

Jazian Gortman Earning Contract?

Jazian Gortman, who is competing for a contract, was a standout on both ends of the floor against the Grizzlies, finishing with 20 points and 4 steals. Kidd took notice of Gortman’s toughness and praised his fearless approach.

With the Mavericks having an open two-way slot, Gortman is building a strong case to earn it, between his impressive preseason performance and strong play at Summer League. “Gortman’s tough. I loved what he did tonight. He shot the ball well, played aggressively, and kept us organized,” Kidd explained. “He’s not scared—that’s what you need. The last two-way spot is going to be interesting to see who we go with.”

What’s Next?

As the Mavericks prepare for their final preseason matchups against the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks, the integration of Luka Dončić alongside Klay Thompson is set to be a focal point. With his expected return on the horizon, the team is eager to establish a cohesive rhythm that will not only boost morale but also set the tone for a successful regular season.