Lively II's concerning injuries expose roster move Mavericks can no longer ignore

Injuries are starting to add up for the Dallas Mavericks. Seemingly every time that someone gets healthy, a different player goes down.

Following a second-half debacle against the Sacramento Kings on Monday night, it was clear that the low depth of the team just couldn't hold for 48 minutes of play against the Kings. Dallas was without four of their five starters, and even after a spectacular first quarter, it wasn't enough to carry them to a win.

Sacramento's offensive rebounding game was outstanding compared to Dallas. The Kings won that battle 18-2, and Dallas' intentionality on the defensive glass wasn't there. Their rebounding was a problem in earlier parts of the season, and it returned against the Kings.

Dereck Lively II was out for this game with a left hip contusion, making it his third missed game in a row and eighth missed game of the season. The small injuries are starting to add up for Lively II, and missing eight of Dallas' first 33 games isn't ideal considering how much he means to the team.

Mavericks should sign Sharp to provide depth in the frontcourt

The Mavericks are already about to go through a brutal stretch in January, and they have to gear up for that and give the team more depth behind Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

Jamarion Sharp from the Texas Legends is coming off a monster performance recently, and Dallas should consider signing him to a two-way deal. Mavericks fans might remember him from being on the training camp roster a few months ago, and he could be the answer to give the Mavs the depth they need during times when there is an absence within the frontcourt.

Sharp can be a reliable big man who can help their rebounding issue, and potentially be in the rotation when there are injuries to the frontcourt.

He'd also be making active history as the tallest man in the NBA if he were to suit up for a big league contest as he is 7-foot-5.

This is the kind of size the Mavericks need right now, as it's starting to become apparent that Gafford needs some depth around him, at least for right now considering that Lively II is out.

Lively II is someone who can be a major force in the NBA as his career grows in Dallas, but his injury history is starting to become a concern when observing the depth of the team. When Lively II is down, usually Gafford is the one to singlehandedly handle those rebounding and occasional shot-blocking duties, but he can't handle it all.

It's become clear that the depth around Gafford and Lively II with Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber is just simply not enough.

Sharp as a big man could come in anywhere from 10-15 minutes in special situations to bring energy, rebound, and block some shots, just like what Gafford was brought in to do.

Gafford and Lively II together provide one of the best one-two punches in the NBA. With one of them out, the big man depth takes a toll, and we are seeing that firsthand during Lively II's current absence.

The next move after signing Sharp to a two-way would have to be waiving one of the other two-way guys like Kessler Edwards or Brandon Williams. Edwards is a proven 3-and-D player who's not afraid to let it fly from deep, but he has failed to make much of an impact when he's gotten minutes with the Mavs. He's also a pretty versatile defender as he proved that during his Sacramento days.

Williams has averaged over 24 points per game during his time with the Texas Legends this season. He's proven to shoot the ball at a pretty high clip, but using Sharp for defensive purposes should be the main priority for the Mavericks, as Dallas' guard depth is not a concern right now.

With Lively II out, the big man depth needs to be a priority right now for Nico Harrison. Signing Sharp would give the team that depth and size they desperately need after a horrendous rebounding performance.