Mavericks' surprising draft makes far more sense after Dereck Lively II injury update

Many fans and media members were shocked when the Dallas Mavericks selected a power forward/center in Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft due to their need for guard depth. But given Dereck Lively II's slow progress in his recovery from right foot surgery back in December, Dallas' decision to draft another big man is looking far more justified.

Lively II played in just seven games last season before recurring swelling and discomfort in his right foot forced him to get yet another surgery, and while he's made enough progress to shed his walking boot and begin walking, a recent update from him at a Mavs Academy Hoop Camp at Colleyville Heritage High School wasn't particularly encouraging in terms of establishing a return-to-play timeline.

“I’m taking even more time than I need to make sure I don’t have to deal with this foot again,” Lively II said at the camp. “Whenever I get over this hill, I know I’ll be stress-free. I’m just waiting to see that my foot’s good. And even when it’s good, I got to wait even more to make sure I don’t have to do this again."

Mavericks may have drafted Johnson Jr. for Lively II insurance

It's great to see Lively II in positive spirits, and the fact that he's taking as much time as possible to heal from this right foot injury is smart considering how many times he's had problems with it, but anecdotes from people at the camp don't bode well for him being ready for the start of the 2026-27 season.

Lively II hasn't moved on to any mobile activity outside of walking yet, and there's no doubt it has to feel a little odd for him that Dallas drafted another young big man in the lottery just three drafts after the 22-year-old was selected No. 12 overall himself.

Lively II's potential still cannot be understated, given his age, and there's a world where he and Johnson Jr. could play alongside each other with Cooper Flagg at the three, but Johnson Jr.'s current offensive repertoire doesn't support this proposition right now.

A lot needs to be worked out in how these young bigs will share the court

Unless something drastic changes before training camp, it seems like Johnson Jr. has a better chance at starting at center over Lively II before the season starts, especially if Dallas elects to trade Daniel Gafford.

It's fun to think about a defensive trio in Dallas' frontcourt of Flagg, Johnson Jr., and Lively II, as opponents would have a nightmare trying to score at the rim against the Mavericks on a nightly basis with those three fully healthy.

However, Johnson Jr. getting drafted by Dallas is looking far more like a reinforcement should Lively II continue to struggle with lower-body injuries, as it simply seems highly unlikely these two will get to play together anytime soon because of Lively II's recent injury update and Johnson Jr.'s inability to stretch the floor at this stage in his career.

It's still too early to say how this young big man tandem will turn out, but there's no doubt one of them could look to overlap the other one at some point in the future based on how things stand currently.

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