Mavericks can't ignore the truth about their 7-foot-1 project any longer

Three seasons ago, the Dallas Mavericks made the NBA Finals. Many players played a key role in helping Dallas reach the promised land, especially 2023-24 rookie Dereck Lively II. The Mavs' center was a major asset to a team lacking a dominant physical presence inside, as the team seemed to have finally found its center of the future after years of heartbreak.

Fast forward a few years, and the Lively II experiment has taken a hit. The 7-footer has missed so many games over the past two seasons, and Bleacher Report believes it may be time for Dallas to give up on the young center.

"Does Dallas give up on Lively already? Foot surgery limited the 22-year-old to just seven games last season, and Lively has suited up in only 98 total contests over three years."

Dereck Lively II's impact is hindered by injuries

The Mavericks suffered years of heartbreak at the center position before Lively II's arrival.
To put things into context, the team made the NBA Western Conference Finals in 2022, where Dwight Powell and Boban Marjanovic were the only two starting centers. The Mavs' lack of stability at the center spot hit a wall, as the Golden State Warriors exposed Dallas' biggest need in that series.

Dallas, though, solved the issue in 2023 by drafting Lively II. The move seemed like a win right away, as Lively II became a key rotational piece. He started in 42 games his first year and averaged 8.8 points per game to go with 6.9 rebounds. However, a bigger issue was brewing with Lively II.

The Mavs' big man missed 27 games in his first season, dealing with ankle sprains and a nose fracture. Things progressively got worse from there, as Lively II's injuries started to pile up.

In his sophomore season, the 22-year-old missed 46 games due to a stress fracture in his right ankle. Things only got worse from there, as Lively II played in seven games this past season. He sat out for 75 games, dealing with multiple surgeries to repair bone spurs and discomfort in his right foot.

Reliability has now become a huge issue with the young center. The Mavs' big man has struggled to remain on the court, and his recent string of injuries is why media reports like Bleacher Report suggest Dallas trade their promising center.

Injuries are sabotaging the beginning of the Cooper Flagg era

The Dallas Mavericks made it clear that they want to build around Cooper Flagg when they traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. It was a move that kicked off the Flagg era, as the rookie proved he was ready to take over the reins for Dallas by winning the Rookie of the Year award.

Flagg's recognition was a testament to his skills, even though the team struggled to win in his first season due to team injuries. The Mavs' 19-year-old forward did his part, but the inability to keep players healthy around him took a toll.

Players like Lively II struggled to connect with the rookie phenom on the court because of their limited playing time. It was a gut punch for Dallas, as they were looking to start the Flagg era on a positive note.

Not to mention, Lively II and Flagg were already establishing an off-court connection before the start of the season. The young duo was seen at the fair, bonding over food and games, a foreshadowing of things to come. It was even expected that the off-court relationship could help unlock Flagg's true potential.

Now, Mavs fans must hope Lively II returns better than ever next season, before the idea of shipping him off becomes a reality. His health will be a key part of Dallas' future, as they hope their center can establish a connection with Flagg and reach his true potential.

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