This procedure follows a season plagued by injuries that limited Lively to just 36 appearances—a tough blow for a player expected to anchor the team’s defense and provide frontcourt stability as the Mavericks regroup for the 2025–26 campaign.

The operation, performed after attempts to manage the injury without surgery did not yield sufficient recovery, is expected to sideline Lively through the remainder of the offseason. However, medical staff and insiders are optimistic. The timeline for his rehabilitation should see the 21-year-old back to full strength before the team’s training camp opens in September.

Team officials have reiterated their view that this step, while unfortunate, is essential to ensuring his long-term health—especially after Lively battled a stress fracture earlier in the year.

A Rocky Sophomore Campaign

Lively entered Dallas with high expectations after being selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. His second season started promisingly but was marred by persistent lower body injuries. He averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, bringing athleticism and defensive presence in his 23 minutes a night when available.

Yet, his inability to consistently stay on the court became a pressing concern as injuries swept through the Mavericks’ roster.

With a tumultuous campaign in the rearview, the Mavericks have been cautious in the offseason, shutting down other young talents like Cooper Flagg from Summer League after just two games to avoid further mishaps. Lively’s latest surgery is a proactive effort—a move the team hopes will prevent lingering issues and allow a full return for the pivotal third year of his NBA career.

Looking Ahead: Depth and Health Remain Priorities

Lively’s recovery joins a growing list of medical outlooks for Dallas, whose core players, including Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, are also rehabbing from significant injuries.

This scenario has placed extra emphasis on roster depth, which the Mavericks have addressed by committing to Daniel Gafford—a valuable rim-running center recently signed to a three-year, $60 million extension—and by maximizing positional flexibility across their lineup.

Despite the setbacks, internal optimism remains. Lively is regarded as a key piece for Dallas’s ambitions in the Western Conference. Medical professionals expect him to be available for training camp, and if progress stays on track, he should reclaim his role as a top rim protector when the regular season tips off.

For the Mavericks, the goal is clear: cultivate a healthy roster capable of fulfilling the franchise’s postseason ambitions, with Lively’s return marking an encouraging milestone on that path.