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Mavericks GM Gives Encouraging Dereck Lively II Injury Update
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- Mavericks GM Gives Encouraging Dereck Lively II Injury Update
Dereck Lively II's first three NBA seasons have offered the Dallas Mavericks plenty of reasons to believe in his future.
They've also made keeping him on the floor one of the biggest questions surrounding it.
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Lively appeared in just seven games last season before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right foot in December, another setback for a young center who has already missed extended time during his career.
With training camp approaching ... Mavs general manager Mike Schmitz offered an encouraging update on where Lively stands.
"Dereck Lively has been working his tail off," Schmitz said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan. "He's in the facility constantly, completely locked in to everything we're doing and doing everything in his power to be his best self."
The work is still ongoing.
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Lively said earlier this offseason that his rehabilitation had progressed beyond the walking boot and crutches as he worked to rebuild strength in his lower leg.
Schmitz didn't offer a return date when asked when Dallas expects to see Lively back on the floor.
His answer instead focused on the progress Lively has made and the approach he's taken throughout the process.
"He's young, but he's got a presence to him," Schmitz said. "Just having him in our facility every day and working his tail off to get to 100% is something that we feel every day."
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That "100%" is worth keeping in mind.
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Schmitz isn't saying Lively has reached it, nor did he guarantee the 22-year-old will be ready for the beginning of training camp.
Dallas still has time before opening night, and Lively's recovery will remain something to watch as the Mavs move closer to the season.
But there's little question about what a healthy Lively can provide.
The former No. 12 overall pick averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks as a rookie before playing an important role during Dallas' run to the 2024 NBA Finals. Injuries have interrupted his progress since, limiting him to 36 games in 2024-25 and seven last season.
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The frontcourt waiting for him has changed, too.
Dallas selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick in June and still has Daniel Gafford ... despite the latter's name continuing to swirl in trade rumors.
The Mavs also traded for Santi Aldama, who can play either the four or five, and matched the New York Knicks' offer sheet with Moussa Cissé, creating a center rotation that gives Dusty May options while Lively works his way back.
Schmitz isn't putting a date on when that process will end.
For now, Dallas is watching Lively work toward 100% and likes the progress he's making along the way.
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