Lively finished with 10 points (5-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in 22 minutes during Saturday's preseason loss to the Hornets.
Lively turned in his best performance of the preseason, producing on both ends of the floor. With Daniel Gafford sidelined due to an ankle injury, Lively has an opportunity to establish himself as the primary center, a role the coaching staff would love to see him embrace. While he is unlikely to play what might be considered typical starter's minutes, Lively should still be a good source of boards and blocks, while also scoring efficiently.
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Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Cleared for training camp
Rotowire
Lively (foot) has been cleared for training camp, Joey Mistreta reported Monday.
Lively underwent surgery July 15 to clean up bone spurs in his right foot, but there have been no reported restrictions ahead of camp. That being said, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Mavericks ease him back during the preseason. With Anthony Davis expected to start at power forward, Lively is the presumed starting center with Daniel Gafford right behind him.
Lively underwent surgery Tuesday to clean up bone spurs in his right foot, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.
Charania reports that Lively is expected to be ready for training camp, though this is an unfortunate setback for him as it could mess up his offseason training regimen. Lively was limited to 36 regular-season games in 2024-25 in which he posted averages of 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 blocks in 23.1 minutes. With Anthony Davis likely to play some center and Daniel Gafford fresh off a contract extension, there is quite a logjam in Dallas' frontcourt.
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Doesn't score in season-ending loss
Rotowire
Lively accumulated zero points (0-2 FG), six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals across 20 minutes during Friday's 120-106 Play-In Game loss to Memphis.
Friday's Play-In Game loss to the Grizzlies marked the only game this season that Lively played in but didn't score. The second-year center missed over half of the season due to an ankle injury. Across Lively's 36 regular-season appearances, including 29 starts, he averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 blocks.
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