Dallas Mavericks Get Good Dereck Lively II News Ahead of New Season

Dereck Lively II’s recovery is becoming the focal point for the Dallas Mavericks as they head into a new NBA season. The 22-year-old big man has played only 43 games over the past two years due to a lingering right foot injury that was first misdiagnosed as a sprained ankle. After appearing in just seven games last season, he had season-ending surgery in December, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz said on 105.3 The Fan that Lively is in the facility constantly and making steady progress toward camp. Dallas is also exploring an extension this summer, with early talks reported by Marc Stein.