Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his right foot, the team confirmed Wednesday. The procedure, to be performed in London by Dr. James Calder, follows weeks of consultations as lingering pain continued to limit the 21-year-old.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported: “Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending right foot procedure to address lingering discomfort, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon. Lively, who played 7 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery.”
Lively has dealt with repeated problems with the same foot, including a fracture that required offseason surgery. ESPN first reported that this latest procedure is expected to fully resolve the chronic discomfort that has derailed his year.
Co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi said: “Dereck has handled every challenge of this season with professionalism and resilience. While this is a setback, we’re confident in his long-term future and will support him fully through his recovery.”
The surgery marks the latest in a string of setbacks for Lively, who dealt with knee trouble earlier this year, and the foot issue resurfacing soon after his last appearance during the Mavs win over New Orleans on Nov. 21. He played 36 games last season and averaged 8.7 points and 7.5 rebounds; this year, he averaged 4.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in limited action.
The organization expects Lively to be ready for training camp, and are hopeful this latest surgery finally stabilizes his foot.
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