The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the teams in the NBA ravaged by injuries. Part of this has been Nico Harrison’s fault, which is why he is no longer employed by the organization. Trading for injury-prone Anthony Davis certainly is the headlining issue.
As Davis continues to be out, the Mavericks have had several other players go down, as well. Kyrie Irving continues to recover from a torn ACL. Dante Exum has been lost for the season. Even Daniel Gafford has missed some time with injuries.
Unfortunately, the Mavericks might be without another one of their key players for an extended period of time with an injury. Dereck Lively II could miss a lot of games.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks Could Lose Derrick Lively II For a Significant Amount of Time
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are expected to lose Lively II for a significant amount of time. Lively II has been out with a foot injury. He has only played in seven of the 19 games that the Mavericks have played this season.
Lively has been relegated to the bench since they traded for Daniel Gafford a couple of seasons ago. Injuries have been a massive issue for Lively II in his young career. So far, Lively II has yet to play more than 55 games in a season. He’s been in the league for just three seasons.
Dallas has the worst offense in the NBA. Part of that has been not having Irving and Davis. Not having Lively II as a lob threat has certainly affected them, as well.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Peter Casey – Pool/Getty Images)
The Mavericks Have a Lost Season
Right now, Dallas sits 14th in the Western Conference standings. Only the Pelicans are worse than them. At this point, it seems likely that the Mavericks are destined to end up with a lottery pick. New injuries seem to crop up every game.
Cooper Flagg has been trying to do the best that he can to elevate the offense, but the rookie can only do so much. In fact, Flagg missed a game due to an injury last week. Jason Kidd will have to figure something out if they want to turn things around.
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