“Nico’s Inept Staff Costing That Man Time and Money”: Fans Spiral as Mavericks’ Worst Injury Fears Come True With Crushing Dereck Lively Update

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively's latest injury setback has caused a frenzy among fans of the organization on social media. Their worst fears came to pass when ESPN's insider Shams Charania on Wednesday reported that the former Duke star will miss the rest of the season due to a season-ending surgery on his right foot.

The team announced also announced this on Wednesday. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to the Mavericks for next season’s training camp. Mavericks fans reacted to the report on X, with one blaming former general manager Nico Harrison.

“Smh Nico’s inept staff costing that man time and money.”

AT Dollar $ign

@mavsman1979

@ShamsCharania Smh Nico’s inept staff costing that man time and money.

Other fans on X shared their reactions.

Marcus ₿urelius

@MarcusBurelius

@ShamsCharania This is a huge loss for the Mavericks right now. Lively brings real rim protection that no one else on the roster can match, and with him out the defense will get exposed too often. Dallas needs to make a move at the deadline or they will slide out of the playoffs entirely. Full

Huggy

@DeyLuvHuggy

@ShamsCharania Damn, Mavs bigs are allergic to being healthy

NBA Hoops Online

@NBABoards

@ShamsCharania Terrible news for the Mavs. I think the basketball gods hate them now and will continue to curse them all because of nico

More reactions from fans on X.

Glitchy 🪄

@Glitchymagic

@ShamsCharania Tough break for Lively and the Mavs. His rebounding presence will be missed, especially with the playoff push. Hope he comes back stronger next season.

Professor

@imdmaurya1

@ShamsCharania Man, this is tough news for Dereck Lively II and the Dallas Mavericks. He's going to miss the rest of the season to get his right foot fixed up. 💔 It's a bummer he's dealing with lingering discomfort, but I'm glad he's prioritizing his health. Wishing him a speedy and full

Dereck Lively II has played just seven games in the 2025/26 season. He has averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. Before the surgery decision, he was dealing with persistent swelling and discomfort and the team had been seeking multiple medical opinions. He suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle, limiting him to 36 games that season.

During the 2025 offseason, Lively II had surgery to clean out bone spurs from his right foot. He helped the Mavs during his rookie season to a place in the 2024 NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics.

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What’s next for Dereck Lively and the Dallas Mavericks?

Dereck Lively II for the second consecutive season in his career is experiencing troubles with his foot or ankle. While he is expected to make a full recovery, the Mavericks will monitor his situation closely to ensure that he makes a full recovery and returns to his best.

Nov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) looks on during an NBA Cup game between the Mavericks and the Clippers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas (9-16) has won four of the last five games. They host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday before traveling to Utah on Monday to face the Jazz.