Overview

• Lively underwent surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right foot on July 15.
• He has struggled with recurring foot and ankle issues since his rookie season, missing a chunk of games in 2024-25.
• In 36 appearances last season, the 7-foot-1 center averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while shooting over 70% from the field.
• His emergence as a rim protector and lob threat was vital to Dallas’s frontcourt efficiency even with limited playing time.
• Preserving his availability is central to the Mavericks’ plans for interior defense following this offseason’s roster realignment.