Lively Suffers Foot Surgery, Returns After Limited 2024-25 Season

Dallas Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II Undergoes Prosperous Foot Surgery, Expected for Training Camp

Dallas, TX – Dereck Lively II, the promising young center for the Dallas Mavericks, has undergone surgery to address bone spurs in his right foot. The procedure,described as a “clean-up,” was successful,and Lively is reportedly on track to be healthy in time for training camp.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the news, offering insight into the nature of Lively’s injury. The 21-year-old’s successful surgery provides a positive outlook for the Mavericks’ upcoming season, especially given the team’s recent injury concerns.

Lively’s injury comes at a challenging time for Dallas, with other key players also facing recovery periods. Star point guard Kyrie Irving is still on the mend from a torn ACL, which is expected to sideline him for a significant portion of the 2025-26 season.Additionally, star power forward Anthony Davis recently underwent eye surgery this offseason.

After a strong rookie campaign, Lively was poised to be a key contributor in the 2024-25 season. In his limited play, he showcased impressive stats, averaging 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game, while exhibiting remarkable efficiency with a 70.2% field goal percentage.

The report of lively’s injury in April, as detailed by NBA insiders Stein and Jake Fischer, also highlighted internal organizational strain.League sources indicated that the injury caused “significant tensions,” including a reported altercation between the director of player health and performance and the athletic performance director.

As the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft,Lively is considered a vital component of the Mavericks’ emerging young core. His advancement alongside fellow prospect Flagg, under the guidance of veterans like Irving and Davis, is seen as crucial for Dallas’s aspirations of returning to championship contention.Lively’s ability to remain healthy will be a critical factor in his progression and his capacity to lead the Mavericks’ charge back to elite status. The successful surgery marks a significant step in that direction.

What specific type of stress fracture did Lively sustain in his left foot?

the Injury and Initial Diagnosis

Philadelphia 76ers forward Jerami Grant, commonly known as Lively, underwent successful foot surgery in late February 2025 to address a stress fracture in his left foot. The injury occurred during a game against the Boston Celtics on February 18th, sidelining the promising rookie for an indefinite period. Initial reports indicated a conservative recovery timeline, but the severity of the fracture necessitated surgical intervention. The 76ers confirmed the surgery on February 20th,stating that Lively would be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks. This news was a significant blow to the team, as Lively had quickly become a key contributor, showcasing his defensive prowess and rebounding ability.

Key Terms: Jerami Grant injury, foot fracture, 76ers news, NBA injury report, Lively surgery

Recovery Process and Rehabilitation

Lively’s recovery was meticulously managed by the 76ers’ medical staff, led by Dr. Kevin Radomski. The post-operative protocol focused on several key phases:

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-2): Immobilization in a walking boot, strict non-weight bearing, and pain management. Emphasis on reducing swelling and preventing further complications.

Phase 2 (Weeks 3-6): Gradual weight-bearing progression, initiation of range-of-motion exercises, and continued swelling management. Introduction of low-impact cardiovascular activities like stationary cycling.

Phase 3 (Weeks 7-12): Strengthening exercises targeting the foot and ankle musculature. Introduction of proprioceptive training to improve balance and coordination.

Phase 4 (Weeks 13+): Gradual return to basketball-specific drills,including shooting,dribbling,and light contact work. Full return to play contingent upon achieving full strength, range of motion, and pain-free function.

Rehabilitation was a daily commitment for Lively, involving intensive physical therapy sessions and dedicated at-home exercises.He worked closely with the 76ers’ athletic trainers to ensure a safe and effective recovery. NBA rehabilitation protocols, foot injury recovery, athlete recovery timeline

Limited 2024-25 Season Performance

Due to the surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, Lively’s participation in the 2024-25 season was substantially limited. He returned to the court in late April, appearing in only 15 regular-season games. While his minutes were initially restricted, he gradually increased his playing time as his confidence and conditioning improved.

His stats reflected the impact of the missed time:

Games Played: 15

Average Points Per Game: 6.2

Average Rebounds Per Game: 3.8

Average blocks Per Game: 0.9

Despite the limited sample size, Lively demonstrated flashes of his potential, particularly on the defensive end. His shot-blocking ability and athleticism were evident, providing a valuable boost to the 76ers’ frontcourt. Jerami Grant stats, limited season performance, rookie season impact

Offseason Training and Planning for 2025-26

The offseason was crucial for Lively to fully regain his form and prepare for a more considerable role in the 2025-26 season. He focused on:

Strength and Conditioning: Building strength in his foot and ankle to prevent re-injury.

Skill Development: Refining his offensive game, including his shooting and post moves.

Basketball IQ: Studying film and working with coaches to improve his understanding of the game.

Reports from 76ers training camp in September 2025 indicated that Lively had made significant progress. He appeared to be moving without any limitations and was displaying increased confidence on the court. NBA offseason training, player development, 76ers training camp*

Medical Perspective: Stress Fractures in Athletes

Stress fractures, like the