The Dallas Mavericks are hoping for the 2025-26 season better.
The Dallas Mavericks spent months of their decision to trade that surprised the basketball world and sent Luka Donsic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since Doncic’s trade departure, a series of brutal events have unfolded for Mavs. Kyrie Irving collapsed from an injury in the season-ending ACL, and Anthony Davis alone could not carry his team into the NBA playoffs. They were eventually eliminated in the play-in tournament.
Enduring a nightmare season and dealing with the ambiguous future ahead, Mavs unexpectedly got a flicker of hope. With just 1.8% odds, they hit the jackpot, won the NBA Draft lottery, chose Duke’s outstanding selection, and picked the No. 1 pick Cooper Flag.
Cooper Flag is set to be the latest face in the franchise alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, so the Mavericks are preparing for a new beginning in the post-Luka Don Sic era.
He is the number one public opponent in Dallas, but general manager Nico Harrison has already prepared his offseason plans for MAVS.
A key element of Mavs’ 2025-26 season is Dereck Lively II. And now, the Ball Club has reason to intrigue with the ongoing development of the young center.
At the recent pre-draft event held by Klutch Sports, Davis and Harrison were present to represent Mavs, while Lively II was part of the delegation. Images are now circulating throughout the NBA Internet, where a 21-year-old appears to be significantly taller than the 7-foot-one frame listed.
On X, Mavericks fans are amazed at the recent image of Dereck Lively II.
A Mavs fan wrote:
Another addition: “How is he much taller than the ad?”
Meanwhile, a loyal Dallas argued, “I’m not very active! A lively guy in the frontcourt would be hard to get TBH, Gaford could be a strange guy or a backup centre.”
“On his growth as to David Robinson,” another Mavericks fan said. “That rim protection will be a problem.”
Meanwhile, fans expressed pessimism. “It’s great, but that means he’s susceptible to injuries. Usually, such a very tall player has foot issues in the NBA. He already has a stress fracture in his leg.
While another fan quips, “Now he’s going to trade him for the Lakers.”
Limited to just 36 games, the vibrant II, rejuvenated and developed, is expected to bounce back for Mavs next season, as he experienced a rough sophomore season of his career due to injuries.
If he can play 82 games in full in 2025-26, the Mavericks will look at a successful year.