Dereck Lively II provided an encouraging update on his injury recovery during Mavericks media day on Friday, describing an offseason centered on patience, conditioning and gradually returning to basketball activities.
“It’s been a lot of focus, a lot of days in the gym, a lot of hard days working,” Lively said. “It’s been ups and downs, you know, trying to keep my focus on what I can control, not worry about things I can’t keep out of my control.”
The 22-year-old center also emphasized the importance of trusting the people around him throughout the recovery process.
“Just having trust in my team, having trust in the people around me, my doctors, and the people who are supporting me,” Lively said.
Lively explained that his training routine has changed considerably as he works toward being ready for the season. He said he has been using different forms of conditioning while also adding strength.
“I know I’ve definitely put on some size. You know, I definitely put on a good amount of muscle,” Lively said. “I feel like I’ve been trying to lose as much body fat as possible.”
The big man has also been using the treadmill, bike and swimming as part of his conditioning.
“I’m just doing whatever I can to make sure I get my body ready and my mind ready,” Lively said.
Compared with where he was in June, Lively said he is pleased with his progress. His work has now expanded to running, jumping and gradually returning to basketball activities.
“I’m happy where I am,” Lively said. “I’m very grateful to the team for just giving me the ability to just take my time, make sure I’m doing everything right and making sure I’m taking care of my body.”
“I’ve been running on the treadmill, been practicing jumps, been slow to get back on the court, getting my shots up, making sure I’m still confident in my shot,” he added.
Lively also credited the Mavericks’ organization for supporting him throughout the process, saying it has been important to be around the team again.
“It’s been great just to have everybody around, having the energy again, and just have banter back and forth with one another,” Lively said. “It’s been a great time to be back with the team.”
Kyrie Irving’s own recovery from his ACL injury has also provided Lively with someone who understands the patience required during a lengthy rehabilitation. Lively said he has leaned heavily on the veteran guard.
“He’s so wise,” Lively said. “He’s told me that no matter how long it takes, just sit back, make sure you’re doing the right things, make sure you’re listening to your body, make sure you’re listening to the doctors.”
Lively added that he wants to make sure he handles the recovery properly.
“I don’t ever want to be dealing with this again,” he said. “So, I’m making sure that I’m doing everything that I can to make sure I put one foot in front of the other and I’m going to get across the finish line.”
Lively appeared in only seven games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes per game.
After Dallas finished 26-56 last season, Lively said the entire organization is focused on moving forward.
“Everybody here wants to win,” he said. “Everybody’s doing whatever it takes to double down on winning cuz we’re sick of the last two years.”
