Lively’s Injury and Future
The Mavs community is buzzing about Chicagojk’s update on Dereck Lively II’s injury. According to Jason Kidd, Lively is still on crutches and in a boot, leaving his status for training camp uncertain:
“I don’t know when or what to expect D-Live right now. He’s off the crutches. Hopefully soon we’ll be in two shoes. I know that sounds kinda funny, but he’s still in a boot…And then I think having that process of getting on the court, and hopefully he’s ready for training camp, but medically I can’t give you the answer today because I don’t know.” - Unknown
The injury has significant implications for Lively’s future with the Mavs. dirkfansince1998 thinks this could lead to a cheap extension: “Lively’s injury could also create a unique opportunity for a cheap extension. Prior to his injury, I expected him to land in the ~30m range. That’s obviously not the case right now.”
Kidd’s Coaching and Medical Staff
Mavs2021 is calling for a new GM and President of Basketball Operations to evaluate Lively properly and make a decision on a favorable extension. The community is also questioning Kidd’s coaching and the team’s medical staff. Chicagojk shares a post about a former Patriot player not being a fan of ex-Mavs director of health.
Draft Disasters
The Mavs’ draft decisions are also under scrutiny. Mavs2021 thinks the team made a mistake by not taking a better prospect: “If the Mavs turned down the reported Atlanta deals around the Risacher + Cavs pick in favour of the Washington deal, Riccardi deserves to be the Mavs GM. Picked turned to crap and Risacher is French Josh Green.”
dirkfansince1998 has a more nuanced view of Risacher: “And I would still take him if all it takes is matching salary. Terrible 1st overall pick. Not necessarily a bad NBA player if he isn’t asked to do things that you expect from a top pick.”
Contract Concerns
The community is discussing potential contract clauses for Lively, with DallasMaverick suggesting a Zion-like contract: “What have you done for me lately?… Maybe a Zion-like contract that’s predicated on games played?”
F Gump is skeptical about Lively accepting a low contract: “I doubt it. Any number low enough for the Mavs to consider will be wayyyyyyyyy too low for Lively to accept. Even a contract in 2027 will be tough to agree on.”
Conclusion
The Mavs community is eagerly awaiting Lively’s return and a resolution to his contract situation. With the team’s history of injuries and coaching decisions, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the franchise. As michaeltex puts it: “Well, that’s depressing.” The Mavs need to get their medical staff and coaching in order to ensure a healthy and successful future for players like Lively. Until then, fans will be on edge, wondering what the future holds for their beloved team.
Community Contributors
Thanks to these MavsBoard members whose posts contributed to this article:
Read the Full Discussions
- View thread — Chicagojk’s post | dirkfansince1998’s post | F Gump’s post | Mavs2021’s post | Mavs2021’s post
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