The Dallas Mavericks will likely begin training camp without young center Dereck Lively II, who has not been medically cleared as he recovers from December foot surgery. This news casts doubt on his availability for the regular season opener, a significant blow for a team looking to build momentum after a tough end to last season, which concluded with a 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13 but saw them lose four of their final five games.
Sources confirm Lively remains in recovery and has not been cleared for camp activities. The 22-year-old big man is slowly increasing his workload but has not suffered any recent setback. His status for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season is officially undetermined. Lively played only seven games last year after the surgical procedure, continuing a trend of limited availability over his three-year career.
When on the court, his impact is undeniable. Lively averaged 8.4 points, seven rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting an elite 72.5% from the field in just 22.9 minutes. His defensive presence and efficient finishing, showed alongside Luka Doncic during the 2024 playoff run, make him one of the league's most promising young centers.
The player himself has been vocal about taking a cautious approach. "I'm taking even more time than I need to make sure I don't have to deal with this foot again," Lively told NBA.com's Eddie Sefko earlier this summer. He emphasized a long-term view over rushing back. "Whenever I come back, don't forget who I am," he added.
His recovery regimen has included significant lifestyle changes. Lively has worked with former Mavericks star Tyson Chandler, focusing on diet, increased strength training, and daily mobility. He reported aiming for 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day through walking or swimming to maintain conditioning without stressing the healing foot.
Losing Lively to start the year creates a major hole in the Dallas frontcourt. His rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll chemistry are not easily replaced. This setback complicates the team's early-season plans, especially as they also monitor the return of guard Kyrie Irving from an ACL tear that cost him the entire 2025-26 season.
The team's recent form highlights the need for defensive anchors. Their last five games of the previous season resulted in a 1-4 record (WLLLL), including losses to the Phoenix Suns (112-107), Milwaukee Bucks (123-99), and New Orleans Pelicans (129-111). A healthy Lively could have helped shore up the interior during that difficult stretch. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule and roster health on our schedule and injuries pages.
Training camp will proceed without one of its core young pieces. The Mavericks' coaching staff must now evaluate other big men on the roster to fill the void during preseason preparations. All eyes will be on Lively's progression in the coming weeks as the October season start draws closer.
His absence at the start of a new era, with top prospect Cooper Flagg now leading the core, tests the team's depth immediately. Dallas hopes Lively's careful recovery pays off with a full and healthy return later in the campaign, providing a major boost for their playoff aspirations. For now, patience is the operative word.
