Lively II Ditches Crutches in Key Step Toward Mavs Rebound

Dereck Lively IIPlayer·Dereck Lively II took a significant stride forward in his rehabilitation from a season-ending foot injury, announcing he has shed his crutches and walking boot. The Dallas MavericksTeam·Dallas Mavericks big man, limited to just seven games during the 2025-26 campaign due to a stress fracture in his right ankle, now walks in normal shoes as he targets a full return for the upcoming season.

"I'm out, no boots, no crutches, just normal walking shoes. It's solely just getting back to building my lower leg strength," Lively II stated during an appearance on the "Game Recognize Game" podcast.

The update arrives at a pivotal moment for Lively II, who underwent a third procedure on his foot in December 2025. His rookie-to-third-year trajectory had shown promise before recurring ankle issues derailed his progress. In the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 43 games, flashing the rim protection and pick-and-roll finishing that made him a high-upside selection out of Duke. The Mavericks exercised his fourth-year option, positioning him for eligibility on a long-term extension as he enters his fourth NBA season.

Lively II's recovery timeline aligns with Dallas's urgent need for frontcourt stability heading into 2026-27. The Mavericks endured a injury-plagued 2025-26 season that yielded a 26-56 record, landing them 12th in the Western Conference and out of playoff contention by March 23. Star point guard Kyrie IrvingPlayer·Kyrie Irving sat out the entire year recovering from a torn ACL, while Anthony DavisPlayer·Anthony Davis managed only 20 games before a midseason trade. The team's final outing, a 149-128 win over the Chicago BullsTeam·Chicago Bulls, offered a fleeting highlight to an otherwise forgettable campaign—their second straight and third in four years without postseason basketball.

A healthy Lively II could reshape Dallas's interior defense and rebounding. At 7 feet tall with elite athleticism, he brings paint presence that complements the Mavericks' perimeter creators. His return bolsters a roster aiming to climb from the Western Conference basement, where Oklahoma City ThunderTeam·Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18) and San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs (62-20) dominated atop the standings. Rebuilding lower leg strength now sets the stage for summer workouts and training camp, with the focus squarely on translating mobility back into on-court impact.

For a franchise eyeing contention, Lively II's comeback narrative carries weight. Dallas hopes his progress signals broader readiness, transforming injury setbacks into fuel for a reset season.