Mavericks' Lively Undergoes Foot Surgery, Eyes Camp

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has undergone surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right foot after missing much of last season due to a stress fracture in the same foot. Lively, who averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 36 games, is expected to be fully healthy for the start of training camp in September. He will be part of a deep frontcourt rotation that includes Anthony Davis, who is recovering from retina surgery, and Daniel Gafford, who recently signed a three-year extension. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined with a torn ACL but is expected to return during the season, while top draft pick Cooper Flagg adds further depth. The Mavericks' 2025-26 prospects hinge on the recovery and availability of their core players. Lively's successful recovery is viewed as key to Dallas’ hopes of contending in the Western Conference.