Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery to address pain in his right foot, with the team confirming Wednesday that he is expected to fully recover in time for training camp.
This season, Lively appeared in seven games, averaging 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 blocks per contest. He had previously missed nine games due to a sprained knee before returning to the lineup on November 14. Lively also faced setbacks last season from a stress fracture in his right ankle.
The 7-foot-1 center, selected No. 12 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, posted averages of 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks over 36 games last season, following a rookie campaign where he recorded 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 assists per game.
The Mavericks, who hold a 9-16 record and have won four of their last five games, are set to host the Brooklyn Nets, currently 6-17, at 8:30 p.m. EST Friday in Dallas.