Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is expected to be fully available for training camp after undergoing offseason surgery to address bone spurs in his right foot, according to Dallas Hoops Journal reporter Grant Afseth.
The 21-year-old big man had already faced a major setback last season when he was sidelined in January with a stress fracture in the same foot. That injury kept him out for nearly three months and limited his availability down the stretch of the 2024–25 campaign.
Despite the missed time, Lively remained a central piece in Dallas’ rotation. He appeared in 36 games with 29 starts, averaging 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 70.2 percent from the field.
The foot surgery was described as a precautionary measure aimed at long-term durability. Early indications suggest the procedure went smoothly, with no complications expected to impact his readiness for the fall.
Lively’s rookie season in 2023–24 showcased his ability to anchor the paint. He averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 55 appearances while posting a 74.7 percent field goal rate.
His postseason debut further demonstrated his value, as he contributed 7.9 points and 7.4 boards in 21 playoff games during Dallas’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
