Dereck Lively Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Mavericks Notes: Injuries, Irving, Gafford, Exum, Washington

January 20th, 2025 at 8:41pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The shorthanded Mavericks lost to Charlotte, 110-105, on Monday afternoon and have now lost nine of their last 12 games, all with Luka Doncic sidelined by a calf strain.

Dereck Lively (right ankle sprain) was downgraded from questionable to out earlier in the day, while Quentin Grimes (back spasms) was a late scratch, Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal notes. Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Dwight Powell (right hip strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) have been out for an extended period.

“It would be nice at this point in the season to have everyone healthy,” said Kyrie Irving, who recently returned from a back injury. “I’ve missed 10 games, and that’s not something I set as a goal for myself coming into the season. I want to play as many games as possible. But with my MRI coming back on my back and D. Live going down, Luka going down, J. Hardy going down, and other people missing games, it’s unfortunate.”

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Daniel Gafford‘s career-high 31 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks went to waste on Monday. “Yeah, I’m frustrated when you get a game like that, but you don’t come out with a win,” Gafford said after the game, per Afseth. “It’s pretty frustrating, but I don’t really want to, you know, be too selfish. You know, I felt like we did a lot of things great out there on the floor to put us in a position to win the game.” The team is reportedly willing to trade Gafford for a top-level perimeter defender.
Speaking of Exum, coach Jason Kidd said the veteran guard has been shooting, but he’s “still a ways away” before a timetable can be established regarding a return to action, Afseth tweets. Exum has yet to make his season debut after appearing in 55 regular season games last season. He underwent his wrist surgery in October.
P.J. Washington is averaging 32.5 minutes per game, more than any other Dallas player not named Doncic or Irving. Washington’s defensive versatility is an essential element, Christian Clark of The Athletic writes. He’ll continue to draw the toughest assignments, even if the front office makes a trade to improve the perimeter defense. “I feel like I can guard anybody,” Washington said. “I feel like I’m comfortable guarding smalls, bigs, it doesn’t really matter.”

Southwest Notes: Morant, Pelicans Bench, Spurs Slump, Lively

January 19th, 2025 at 9:06pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Grizzlies could play again without their floor leader on Monday. Ja Morant is listed as questionable against Minnesota due to right foot soreness, the team’s PR department tweets.

Morant, who is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 assists, has already missed 18 games this season and is ineligible for postseason honors. He was also unavailable for Friday’s 28-point win over San Antonio.

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The Pelicans reserves have made a major impact during the team’s three-game winning streak, Rod Walker of the New Orleans Times Picayune writes. “This bench is a team that wants to win every minute that we get,” guard Jose Alvarado said. “We know that it can be 10 minutes, five minutes, two minutes or 20 minutes. We’re going to attack it like it’s the (NBA) Finals.” Alvarado led the bench brigade on Friday with 19 points, including six 3-pointers.
The Spurs, who are headed to Paris to face Indiana, will look at the trip as a chance to turn their fortunes around. They have lost three straight and six of their last seven after falling to Miami on Sunday. “This hasn’t been our best stretch of basketball and there are some things we need to shore up, and we’ve played some really good teams and they’ve exposed some things,” acting coach Mitch Johnson told Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “We’re looking forward to Paris, but I don’t think we overlooked this team or in (losing twice to) Memphis.”
The Mavericks list Dereck Lively as questionable to play against Charlotte on Monday due to a right ankle sprain, Grant Afseth tweets. Lively has missed the last two games after suffering the injury on Tuesday against Denver.

Mavs Reportedly Seek Impact Perimeter Defender, Make Gafford Available

January 17th, 2025 at 4:42pm CST by Luke Adams

The Mavericks, who remain on the look for an impact perimeter defender, have dangled center Daniel Gafford in those talks, according to Christian Clark of The Athletic.

Clark first reported at the start of the month that Dallas was exploring the idea of pursuing a player who could upgrade the club’s perimeter defense. He mentioned Pelicans forward Herbert Jones at that time, but acknowledged that New Orleans was unlikely to move him.

Jones is now out indefinitely with a shoulder ailment, but prior to that injury, the Pelicans’ asking price for him was “extraordinarily high,” according to Clark, who doesn’t identify any other specific players the Mavs may be eyeing, noting that the options available on the trade market for a needle-moving impact defender may be limited.

Still, Clark’s suggestion that Dallas is open to making Gafford available is noteworthy. The Mavs gave up a late 2024 first-round pick for the veteran big man at last season’s deadline and he helped the team make a run to the NBA Finals, starting all 21 playoff games in the spring.

As effective as Gafford has been since arriving in Dallas, he’s essentially a backup center, averaging a modest 20.0 minutes per game this season as he has taken a back seat to rising second-year big man Dereck Lively. Gafford is contributing 11.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per night, with a .706 FG%. The Mavs have a -2.0 net rating in his minutes, compared to a +8.1 mark when Lively is on the floor.

It’s also worth mentioning that if Dallas needs to aggregate contracts to acquire a player earning $20MM or more, Gafford’s $13.4MM cap hit could be useful. Outside of Maxi Kleber ($11MM), every other Maverick earning above $4MM is a regular part of the rotation when healthy.

Gafford is under contract for one season beyond 2024/25, with a $14.4MM guaranteed salary for ’25/26. He’s currently back in the Mavs’ starting lineup while Lively recovers a right ankle sprain, which will sideline him again on Friday vs. Oklahoma City.

Mavericks Notes: Lively, Irving, Dudley, Losing Streak

January 16th, 2025 at 4:18pm CST by Rory Maher

Mavericks center Dereck Lively suffered a right ankle sprain in the first quarter of Tuesday’s loss to Denver, causing him to exit the game after just four minutes. X-rays on Lively’s ankle were negative, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link), but a return timeline has yet to be established for the second-year big man.

Lively and Kyrie Irving, who is dealing with a bulging disc in his back, were both sidelined for Wednesday’s loss in New Orleans, notes Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

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Speaking of Irving, one of the people he’s been leaning on for advice for the back issue is assistant coach Jared Dudley, a longtime former player who dealt with a back problem during his career. “I had a back injury, and mine was more severe; I had back surgery,” Dudley told Grant Afseth and Rashad Miller of DallasHoopsJournal.com (Substack link). “Kyrie’s injury is less serious than mine, but with any back injury, it’s usually the nerve that’s affected. There’s a technique called nerve gliding that helps the nerve get back on track. Kyrie will need to do that and also follow a core regimen to keep everything stable. He’s already someone who follows a routine, so it’s just about continuing that.”
The Mavs dropped their third straight game on Wednesday, losing to the lowly Pelicans in controversial fashion, writes Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. Trailing by one point with 15 seconds remaining, Dallas forced Jordan Hawkins into a turnover and had a fast break opportunity. With about five seconds left, Spencer Dinwiddie‘s layup attempt hit the backboard and then was goaltended by Trey Murphy, but the officials didn’t call it (YouTube link). The NBA’s last two-minute report acknowledged that the referees missed the call, tweets MacMahon.
In a radio appearance on 96.7 The Ticket, Mavs general manager Nico Harrison said the team was unlikely to file a protest for the loss, relays Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). “You can do an appeal but if you do it, you have to spend some money,” Harrison said. “It might make you feel good, but it’s not going to change the outcome. Refs make mistakes. It’s frustrating. … It is what it is. You have to move on to the next game.” Marc Stein confirms (via Twitter) that the Mavs will not file an official protest with the league.

Dereck Lively II Exits With Ankle Sprain, Doesn’t Return

January 14th, 2025 at 10:45pm CST by Tristan Tucker

The Mavericks ruled starting center Dereck Lively II out with an ankle sprain just four minutes into Tuesday’s game against Denver, the team announced (via Twitter).

Lively is continuing to build on an impressive first season that saw him finish sixth in Rookie of the Year voting as he helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals. In 31 games (24 starts) this season, he’s averaging 9.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per night while shooting a highly efficient 70.1% clip from the field.

It’s a tough blow for a Dallas team already without superstar Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a calf injury that’s expected to keep him out through this month, at the earliest. According to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic is on track to return in early February, prior to the All-Star break.

The Mavericks did get some good injury news on Tuesday, as Kyrie Irving returned to action following a five-game absence due to a back issue.

Lively’s most direct replacement is apparent: Daniel Gafford. He and Lively often switch off at the starting center position, with Gafford starting in all 22 of his appearances last postseason and Lively taking over this year.

Beyond Gafford, the Mavs have Maxi Kleber, P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell as bigs. Powell got into Tuesday’s game in the first half after not playing in Dallas’ previous two tilts.

Lively’s return timeline will depend on the severity of the injury. While a mild sprain may not cost him much, if any, additional time, a more significant sprain could keep him on the shelf for weeks.

Mavs Notes: Trade Targets, Irving, Lively, Thompson, Washington

January 1st, 2025 at 3:59pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Mavericks are mulling whether to add an impact perimeter defender before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, Christian Clark of The Athletic reports.

A natural target would be the Pelicans’ Herbert Jones, who made the All-Defensive First Team last season. However, there is little belief in NBA circles that the Pelicans will actually make Jones available despite their struggles this season, Clark notes.

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Kyrie Irving didn’t play on Monday against Sacramento due to what the team described as a right shoulder soreness. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon (Twitter link), it had more to do with load management. Irving played 79 minutes in a back-to-back last week. The Mavs will keep monitoring Irving’s minutes while Luka Doncic recovers from his calf strain.
Irving will be back in the lineup tonight. He’s not listed on the injury report but Dereck Lively is questionable to play against Houston due to a hip ailment, Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News tweets. Klay Thompson, who missed Monday’s game due to an illness, is also available.
Forward P.J. Washington was surprised he was suspended for a game by the league due to his role in Thursday’s scuffle against Phoenix. “I didn’t feel like I tried to do anything maliciously,” Washington told Curtis. “I just tried to protect my teammate and that was it.” He delivered a 28-point performance in his return on Monday, though Dallas still lost to the Kings.

Mavericks Notes: Gafford, Lively, Doncic, Irving, Thompson, Grimes

December 2nd, 2024 at 5:32pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Mavericks have fielded some inquiries regarding Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively but haven’t shown any interest in trading either big man, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports.

However, the Mavericks could be active in the trade market. They could seek potential upgrades by parting with their 2025 first-round pick or their 2031 first-rounder. They could also add a young piece such as Quentin Grimes and Olivier-Maxence Prosper in a trade package, Scotto notes.

Dallas is approximately $5.3MM above the luxury tax but might be able to drop below that figure if it is able to deal Maxi Kleber, Scotto adds. He’ll make $11MM this season, with a matching cap hit for 2025/26.

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Luka Doncic returned from a wrist injury on Sunday and racked up 36 points and 13 assists against the Trail Blazers. He posted on social media that it was “great” to be back from a five-game absence. Doncic complimented the team on how it performed without him. “Obviously, I think their pace was great. They were playing amazing,” Doncic said, per ESPN News Services. “So, [I was] just trying to adapt to that. They beat some tough teams, and I was just happy to sit back, watch and enjoy.”
Dallas defeated Portland despite having several other starters and rotation players sidelined. Kyrie Irving (right shoulder soreness), Lively (right knee hyperextension), Klay Thompson (left foot plantar fascia), Naji Marshall (illness) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) all missed the game, the Mavs PR department tweets.
Grimes, who joined Dallas in the offseason trade with Detroit, has been on a hot streak of late. He’s averaged 24.3 points over the last three games. “I’m glad to see my confidence growing,” Grimes told Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal. “I’m just playing downhill, not overthinking, and focusing on helping on both ends of the floor.” Grimes will be a restricted free agent after the season, as he and the team were unable to reach a rookie scale extension by the October deadline.

Western Notes: Lively, Timberwolves’ Ownership Dispute, Williamson, Finch

November 11th, 2024 at 8:28pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Mavericks second-year big man Dereck Lively could return to action on Tuesday, Tim MacMahon of ESPN tweets. Lively had missed last four games due to sprained right shoulder. He told MacMahon he had a “good practice” on Monday in San Francisco and hopes to play against the Warriors.

“Just got to see how I feel when I wake up, but it’s been steady progress and I’m feeling good,” said Lively, who is listed as questionable to play.

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The three-person arbitration panel is deliberating after last week’s hearings regarding the Timberwolves’ ownership dispute, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic tweets. Krawczynski hears that it could take a few months before a ruling is handed down. A group led by Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore is trying to gain majority ownership while current owner Glen Taylor is seeking to retain control.
The Timberwolves are off to a ho-hum 6-4 start and head coach Chris Finch is starting to second-guess some of his moves, Krawczynski writes. In a one-point loss to Miami, Finch pulled Nickeil Alexander-Walker for Mike Conley with his team up by three points. Conley missed all three of his shots after returning to the game and also had a turnover. “I probably should’ve stuck with Nickeil,” Finch admitted after the game. “He was playing really well.”
Zion Williamson felt discomfort in his left hamstring on Thursday, the day before the Pelicans faced the Magic, Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times Picayune reports. “We kind of pulled him out of practice,” head coach Willie Green said. “Sat him the next game. He got a scan. We found out the severity of what his injury was.” Williamson was diagnosed on Saturday with a left hamstring strain that will sideline him indefinitely.

Texas Notes: Kidd, Mavs, Vassell, Wembanyama

November 10th, 2024 at 12:20pm CST by Rory Maher

Jason Kidd ripped the Mavericks‘ effort following Friday’s last-second loss to Phoenix, according to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News (subscription required), who says it was the most frustrated he has seen Kidd in his four seasons as Dallas’ head coach.

“For whatever reason, we get off to a slow start,” Kidd said. “It’s got to be addressed. We’ve talked about it. There’s got to be action. There’s got to be some energy. Somebody’s got to come with some f—ing energy. We’re f—ing flat.”

In addition to another slow start, Kidd was also critical of the bench’s performance.

“The fatigue of running Luka (Doncic) and Kai (Kyrie Irving) 40-something minutes because our bench stinks right now,” Kidd said. “As deep as we are, we’ve got to get someone to f—ing participate off the bench. Somebody has to join the party to help Kai and Luka and that’s just not happening right now.

“I played the whole f—ing team tonight. We couldn’t find anybody, so we had to leave (Doncic and Irving) to carry the load and that’s unfair for those two this early in the season.”

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The Mavericks will likely be shorthanded again on Sunday in Denver. Star guard Doncic is questionable with a left groin strain, while a trio of big men — P.J. Washington (right knee sprain), Dereck Lively (right shoulder sprain) and Maxi Kleber (right hamstring strain) — are all doubtful, tweets Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. Doncic has yet to miss a game in 2024/25.
Spurs wing Devin Vassell caught fire in his season debut on Saturday, recording 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting in 22 minutes, notes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News (subscriber link). However, the Spurs lost a tight game vs. the Jazz, who entered the game with just one win. “It was good for me to be back out there,” said Vassell, who was on a minutes restriction in his return from offseason foot surgery. “Good for me to be playing with some of these guys. But ultimately I wanted to get that win, so I’m kind of upset about that right now.”
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama had a big night in Saturday’s one-point loss, finishing with 24 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks, per Michael C. Wright of ESPN. The reigning Rookie of the Year, who has opened the season in a shooting slump from long distance, also set a career high with six made three-pointers. Wembanyama became just the second player in NBA history to record six threes and seven blocks in a game, joining Brook Lopez, who accomplished the feat in 2017, according to Wright.

Southwest Notes: Popovich, Johnson, Mavs, Kennard, Jenkins

November 6th, 2024 at 1:29pm CST by Luke Adams

With Gregg Popovich away from the Spurs for health reasons, reporting on Monday indicated that the head coach is “OK” and “just needs rest,” and acting head coach Mitch Johnson later told the media that Popovich is “in good spirits.” Still, Shams Charania of ESPN and Mike Finger of The San Antonio Express-News suggested on Tuesday that Popovich’s health issue shouldn’t be downplayed.

Appearing on NBA Today (Twitter video link), Charania described the issue as “serious,” explaining that Popovich required medical attention in San Antonio on Saturday and adding that there’s “a great level of concern around the situation,” with no timeline for the coach’s return to the sidelines.

Finger, meanwhile, pointed out (via Twitter) that the Spurs are handling the situation differently this time than they have in the past when Popovich has had health issues that have necessitated short absences, noting that it’s “probably wise not to take a quick return for granted.” The Spurs haven’t yet ruled out Popovich beyond Wednesday’s game in Houston, but will likely provide an update soon, given that the team will be back in action on Thursday vs. Portland.

With Popovich unavailable, the Spurs have turned to Johnson, a rising young assistant who was a finalist in the spring for the Wizards‘ head coaching job that ultimately went to Brian Keefe, according to Charania. Johnson, who has earned praise from his players in San Antonio, was also part of the Team USA staff in Paris over the summer, as Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News details.

“He is an impressive young coach,” Heat head coach and Team USA assistant Erik Spoelstra said. “You can see why Pop has given him a lot more responsibility as the years have gone on. He is a very effective communicator.”

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The Mavericks‘ injury list continues to grow, with P.J. Washington ruled out for Wednesday’s game vs. Chicago due to a right knee sprain, tweets Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. Big man Maxi Kleber will miss a sixth straight game due to his right hamstring strain, while center Dereck Lively is listed as doubtful as a result of a sprained right shoulder.
Grizzlies sharpshooter Luke Kennard has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s game vs. the Lakers and has a chance to make his season debut after missing Memphis’ first eight games due to a foot injury (Twitter link). Speaking to reporters after the Grizzlies’ shootaround this morning, Kennard said he’ll be a game-time decision and described his “frustrating” recovery process (video link via The Memphis Commercial Appeal).
While Kennard has a chance to make his return on Wednesday, the Grizzlies will be without head coach Taylor Jenkins, per Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal (Twitter link). Jenkins will be away from the team due to a death in his family, with Tuomas Iisalo serving as the acting head coach in his absence.