Mavericks finally land promising update as scary Cooper Flagg pairing takes shape

Dallas Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II is progressing nicely as he recovers from season-ending foot surgery, and fans can't wait to see him and Cooper Flagg take the floor together next season. Lively II and Flagg have been a hyped duo since the second Flagg was drafted, given their Duke connection, and a recent Lively II development shows how much he's improved health-wise over the last few months.

He's not ready to begin on-court workouts just yet, but he's well on his way in a journey that could define his 2026-27 season.

At Dallas' game against the Golden State Warriors on Monday, Lively II was walking with just a boot — no cane or crutches. This is a major change from how Mavericks fans are used to seeing him on the sidelines this season, and he's progressed from using a scooter to walking with a boot.

Dereck Lively II ditches the cane and crutches amid foot rehab

He was even seen shooting free throws, in a walking boot, at shootaround on Wednesday, further showing how far he's come.

Injuries are extremely difficult for players to endure, especially given that this wasn't the first surgery on Lively II's right foot, but he seems to be in good spirits as the 2025-26 season comes to a close. He played just seven games this season, but he's attacking his rehab head-on and doing everything that he needs to do to come back healthier than before.

"I’m definitely getting there," Lively II said when asked about his recovery last week. "Making sure I don’t rush myself, taking it real slow, and making sure that the scans are gonna give me the advice on what I should do. Not how I feel."

Lively II's first three years have been filled with injuries, as he's played just 98 games, and he must get back on track in this department if he wants to be Dallas' big man of the future. He has all of the tools to do so, given that he's an excellent defender, lob catcher, and passer out of the short roll, and Lively II remaining healthy next season will help the Mavericks form a dangerous frontcourt duo if Flagg can do the same.

How Flagg and Lively II will fit together in Dallas' frontcourt

Flagg has been spectacular in his rookie year, as he's averaging over 20 points per game and deep in the race for Rookie of the Year, but he needs some help if he wants to help lead the Mavericks back to the NBA Playoffs. He can't do this on his own, and this is where Lively II comes into play.

He's been one of the best young rim-rolling bigs in the Western Conference since he came into the league, and Flagg has what it takes to help him get back on the map once he returns from injury. Flagg has shown extreme growth as a playmaker recently, and while he isn't ready to be a point guard just yet, he makes the right read over and over and has an advanced feel for the game.

Lively II should be in store for plenty of dump-off passes for Flagg around the bucket due to his on-ball gravity and strong finishing, and he'll have the chance to quickly remind fans how dangerous he can be when he's at his best.

He fits right into Dallas' defense-first approach around Flagg, and the Mavericks' frontcourt will be extremely hard to score on when Flagg and Lively II are on the court together. Both players are elite off-ball roamers, and teams should be terrified to drive into the paint when either player is in their vicinity.

Lively II's 2026-27 season will all depend on if he can stay healthy, and with the way things are looking, he's on the way to that.