Two Foot Surgeries Later, Dereck Lively II Still Isn't Cleared for Camp

Dereck Lively II was a starter on a Finals team as a rookie. In the two seasons since, he's played 43 games.

His right foot is the reason. It's been operated on twice in the last 14 months, most recently in December, which ended his 2025-26 season after seven games. Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that he still isn't cleared for training camp, which opens Saturday, and that his status for opening night is unknown. The same sources said he's ramping up and that the team isn't discouraged.

The timing matters for him. Lively, 22 and the 12th pick in 2023, is in the last year of his rookie contract. When healthy, the 7-foot-1 center finishes well around the rim and defends in space, with career averages of 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Those are the skills Dallas wants around Cooper Flagg, if the foot allows it.