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Dereck Lively II Making Measured Progress After Foot Surgery but Still Not Running or Jumping

A deliberately cautious rehab approach leaves the Mavericks unsure if he will be ready to resume a foundational role without full recovery.

Oct 24, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) dunks during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Lively, who spoke with reporters Friday, said he has shed the walking boot and can walk and lift but is not yet cleared to run or jump.
  • He missed most of the 2025-26 season after a January 2025 stress fracture and underwent season-ending foot surgery in December 2025.
  • Through his first three NBA seasons Lively has played limited minutes, totaling 119 games including playoffs, which fuels concerns about his durability.
  • The Mavericks have not publicly committed to Lively under the new front office and coach, leaving his place in the club’s rebuild conditional on a full return to health.
  • If Lively regains full mobility he could join Cooper Flagg and rookie Morez Johnson Jr. as a young core, but fans should watch running and jumping progress and training-camp availability next.