Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said rookie Dereck Lively II is unlikely to join the team on its current three-game road trip after undergoing a medical procedure.
Lively was diagnosed with a nasal fracture after he was inadvertently struck in the face by Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. on Jan. 29. He underwent a procedure on Monday to reset his nose and is expected to return to the court soon.
The 12th pick missed his fourth straight game on Tuesday due to the injury. He has remained in Dallas following the procedure and will likely sit on Thursday against the New York Knicks.
“We’ll make that decision tomorrow, but I think it is leaning toward he won’t be on this trip,” Kidd said of Lively prior to facing the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
Lively practiced with the Mavericks on Friday for the first time in a protective mask. He will likely need it once he is cleared to play after the surgery and could be required to keep it on for the foreseeable future to prevent further damage.
The 19-year-old has started 35 of his 36 games, averaging 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 assists on 73.9% shooting from the field. He ranks among the rookie leaders in several categories: Points (10th), rebounds (second), offensive rebounds (first) and blocks (third).
Lively was among the 11 first-year players selected to participate in the NBA Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend. He became the first Mavericks player picked to compete in the annual showcase since Luka Doncic in 2019 and 2020.
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