Dereck Lively II Is Taking His Foot Recovery Slower Than He Has To. That’s the Point.

Dereck Lively II could be panicking right now. Most 22-year-olds with a surgically repaired foot and a front office that just got blown up might start pressing, pushing harder than the doctors want, trying to prove they still matter to the new guys in charge. Lively is doing the opposite.

The Mavericks center hasn’t played since December. He underwent surgery on his right foot and is only now at the point where walking feels normal again. But instead of rushing to get back on the court, he’s deliberately slowing down.

“I went from being on a scooter, to crutches, to one crutch, to just a boot, and now to be able to walk,” Lively told Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. “I’m really just thankful for the small milestones. I’m taking even more time than I need to make sure I don’t ever have to deal with this foot again.”

Patience as a Strategy

That quote matters because it shows Lively understands something a lot of young players don’t. The quickest way back to the floor isn’t always the smartest. He can’t run or jump yet. He can lift, move, and walk. That’s it. And he’s fine with that.

“Those little wins are kind of what I thrive on,” he said. “Whenever I can get past this hill, I know I’ll be home free.”

The new front office regime in Dallas has to love hearing that. Masai Ujiri took over as team president. Dusty May is the new head coach. Neither of them picked Lively. But both of them inherited a 7-footer who just helped the Mavericks get to the Finals two seasons ago and is still only 22 years old.

What’s Still There in Dallas

Even with the roster shakeup, the Mavs have Cooper Flagg as the franchise anchor now. Lively fits nicely next to him as a rim-running, shot-blocking big who doesn’t need the ball to be effective. Rookie Morez Johnson Jr. adds another young piece. And vets like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and PJ Washington are still around.

If Lively comes back healthy — and he’s making sure of that by taking the slow route — Dallas could have a dangerous mix of youth and experience. He already helped this team break through once. He believes he can do it again.

But first his foot has to cooperate. And right now, that means taking more time than necessary. Which sounds like the exact right move.