Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II could potentially miss the remainder of the regular season due to right knee soreness, according to Coach Jason Kidd.
Jason Kidd on Dereck Lively II’s injury:
Says that he is on crutches and isn’t sure if he will be able to return before the regular season is over. pic.twitter.com/KeBJr2Ies2
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 4, 2024
Lively sustained the injury during a game against the Houston Rockets and was ruled out of the game after playing for 13 minutes.
He did not play in the following game against the Golden State Warriors, and the severity of the injury will be assessed upon the team’s return to Dallas.
Coach Kidd mentioned the possibility of Lively being out for two weeks, which could extend into the postseason.
Despite his absence, the Mavericks have added depth to their roster and will rely on players like Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington.
Lively has been a crucial player for the team, leading the rookie class in field-goal percentage and excelling in rebounding and rim protection.
Dallas Mavericks’ center Lively was set to be evaluated in Dallas on Wednesday for an injury and an official diagnosis will follow, according to General Manager Nico Harrison.
If he is out for two weeks, Lively will not be able to return until the postseason, as the regular season ends on April 14.
Lively has been serving as a backup for the past 13 games, with Daniel Gafford taking over as the starting center.
Coach Kidd expressed the luxury of having depth at the center position but acknowledged that they would miss Lively’s presence on the floor.
The Mavericks currently hold the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings with seven games remaining in their schedule.
Fans reacted as follows:
We can’t be in the play in this year
— matt (@matthecameraguy) April 4, 2024
Team is way worse without him he’s our 2nd most important player. If he not back by the playoffs they gettin sent home 1st round in 5or6
— Jared (@goatedjrd) April 4, 2024
Damn i seen when he got injured and it looked mild asf now he’s on crutches?😫. Need d Live doing all lower body work this off season
— IG: @williemcfly (@IllWillofficial) April 4, 2024
What??? He just suddenly need crutches??? He didn't leave the arena after the game on crutches. Just crazy
— Thugga Spitta Hendrxx (@Mrimpala1) April 4, 2024
When did this injury happened? I haven’t even noticed it during the Rockets game.
— Joaquín Carrascal (@JoacoCarrascal) April 4, 2024
3 weeks till starts playoffs
Hope then he will be ready— Piotr Łobko (@PiotrKT77) April 4, 2024
