By Robert MarviShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSeemingly nothing has gone right for the Dallas Mavericks ever since they got rid of generational superstar Luka Doncic in February. They have struggled mightily on the court, and they have lost multiple key players to injuries.
Star guard Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL in early March and superstar big man Anthony Davis, whom they acquired for Doncic, has missed stretches of action due to multiple ailments. Now, another Mavs big man will have to miss some time.
Dereck Lively II, their promising 21-year-old center, will reportedly miss at least three games due to a foot ailment, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
"Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will miss at least the next three games while being evaluated for swelling and discomfort in his surgically repaired right foot, the team announced Tuesday," MacMahon wrote.
"Lively underwent surgery on the foot in July to clean out bone spurs. He missed more than two months last season due to a stress fracture in his right ankle.
"He missed nine games earlier this season due to a sprained right knee, returning Nov. 14."
...Read more: Warriors Hit With Unfortunate Draymond Green News
Lively's minutes are down a bit so far this season compared to his previous two seasons, but he remains a key part of Dallas' frontline. When the team is healthy, it has a frontcourt rotation that, at least on paper, looks very potent and even formidable.
He's averaging 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes a game so far this season. Two seasons ago, he had gotten some votes in the Rookie of the Year balloting and made the NBA's All-Rookie second team.
Even though some people thought the Mavs would have a puncher's chance at getting to the NBA Finals this season, they have started 5-14, which is the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Even though they're second in defensive rating, they're 29th in points per game and last in offensive rating, and some feel they need to make major changes.
Read more: Dallas Mavericks Urged to Take Shocking Course of Action
Dallas is reportedly open to trade offers for Davis, who will turn 33 years of age in March, and perhaps this is the time for it to hit the proverbial reset button and rebuild around rookie phenom Cooper Flagg and other young prospects such as Lively.
For more on the Mavericks and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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