Mavericks’ Rising Star Dereck Lively II Faces Mysterious Foot Injury, Future Uncertain

Injuries — the ultimate nemesis in any athlete’s journey, right? Take Dallas Mavericks’ towering center, Dereck Lively II, who’s been more familiar with the bench this season than the hardwood floor. After just seven games in the 2025-26 NBA campaign, Lively’s been sidelined by a persistent right foot issue that refuses to quit, clouding his potential comeback like an ominous storm. Now, with swelling and pain still keeping him in limbo, the team is exploring every medical avenue, searching for a light at the end of this frustrating tunnel. It’s a tough break for the Mavs, especially when you recall that Lively had offseason foot surgery to clear bone spurs — a fresh start that’s somehow been sidetracked by a right knee sprain and now this stubborn foot ailment. Makes you wonder: can the Mavericks’ big man beat this injury curse before it takes a real toll on his promising third season? Meanwhile, Dallas struggles through their own injury saga, juggling the recoveries of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis as they fight to maintain momentum and chase wins. If Lively’s plight has taught us anything, it’s that in this league, resilience isn’t just a trait — it’s a necessity. LEARN MORE.