archiveDereck Lively II

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Mavericks Land No. 9 The Ninth Symphony: Landing at No. 9 is more than just a number for Dallas; it’s a full-circle moment for Rolando Blackman, who was the franchise's first No. 9 pick. In a draft described by Mike Schmitz as "very deep," this slot...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri The Six-Month Search Ends: Masai Ujiri's hiring concludes a search that began in November 2025 following the dismissal of Nico Harrison. Ujiri's arrival brings immediate stability to a franchise that finished a disappointing 26-56 in the 2025-26 season. Cleaning the Slate: Ujiri...

DHJ Quick Take: Survival Mode in Phoenix The Injury Crisis: What was already a thin roster has reached a breaking point. Dallas has officially ruled out Klay Thompson (rest), Naji Marshall (hip), Daniel Gafford (shoulder), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Caleb Martin (foot), P.J. Washington (elbow), and Brandon...

DHJ Quick Take: The Blueprint for Success Systematic Execution: P.J. Washington identified Sunday’s 134-point performance as the "blueprint" for the Dallas Mavericks. He credited their success to being "organized" and bringing specific defenders into the pick-and-roll to create high-value looks for Cooper Flagg and the supporting cast. Rhythm & Flow:...

DHJ Quick Take: Magic vs. Mavericks Snapping the Skid: Dallas enters tonight’s matchup looking to halt a 13-game home losing streak. The Mavericks haven’t tasted victory at American Airlines Center since Jan. 22, and with Luka Dončić and the Lakers looming on Sunday, snapping the skid against Orlando is a...

DHJ Quick Take: Magic vs. Mavericks The Streak on the Line: Dallas enters tonight’s matchup looking to halt a 13-game home losing streak. The Mavericks haven't tasted victory at American Airlines Center since Jan. 22, and with the Lakers and Luka Dončić looming on Sunday, snapping the skid tonight against...

DHJ Quick Take Reinforcements Arrive: Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and Naji Marshall have all been cleared for Friday’s matchup against the Orlando Magic, providing a massive lift to a shorthanded rotation. The Gafford Relief: Despite a frightening exit in Milwaukee with a shoulder stinger, Gafford avoided the injury report entirely,...

DHJ Quick Take Gafford Avoids Injury Report: In a major boost for the frontcourt, Daniel Gafford is not expected to be listed on the injury report for Friday's game against Orlando, despite a scary exit in Milwaukee with a shoulder stinger. Marshall Returns, Washington Sidelined: Defensive standout Naji Marshall (15.5...

DHJ Quick Take Thompson Ruled Out: Klay Thompson has been officially ruled out for Tuesday’s road game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to rest, an upgrade from his earlier doubtful designation. Seven Players Out: Dallas will be without seven rotation players in Milwaukee, marking their most depleted roster of the...

Cooper Flagg will play Friday night in Portland. The Dallas Mavericks rookie was not listed on the official injury report ahead of tonight's game against the Trail Blazers, clearing him to play despite leaving Wednesday's 142-135 loss against the Denver Nuggets with his right hand heavily wrapped and iced after...