The Mavs have had one of the downfalls of the century. You don’t go from repping the West in the NBA finals to struggling to get a play-ins spot in 9 months by fluke. From major mismanagement decisions like trading Luka Doncic in his prime to possessing a torrid injury list- they’ve pretty much had the worst February an NBA franchise has ever seen. But the imminent returns of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford would be like a breath of fresh air.
A long-term injury can turn a young talent’s brains into a can of baked beans. You can only imagine what 21-year-old Dereck Lively II’s ankle fracture did to his season hopes. He came into the current season after a strong showing in his rookie season, especially after his 16/10 double-double in his debut against the Spurs. He ended the season in the All-Rookie Seam second team. Even in the 32 games this season, he’s averaged box numbers of 9.1/7.8/2.6 shooting 70.1% from the field.
But he suffered a stress fracture on his right ankle on January 14th, sidelining him for the next 2-3 months at least. This came right after Jason Kidd said this about Lively II in January: “He’s one of our best passers, identifying the back door, he’s very comfortable with making that play…His next step, we’re not gonna say he’s gonna be the next Joker (Nikola Jokic), but being able to playmake and turning down that first guy or being able to be aggressive. To look to score for himself as much as he does for his teammates…Just like we’re gonna let him shoot threes at some point…”
Luckily for him and the rest of the Mavs fanbase, Dereck was seen shooting hoops with Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford with the Texas Legends, the Mavs’ G League affiliates. This came before Dereck was listed as questionable and the pair of AD and Gafford were listed as probable for their clash against the Nets tonight.
Look at that big man trio
(via @KevinGraySports) pic.twitter.com/zZjy9GqeaP
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) March 31, 2025
Speaking of Daniel Gafford, his upgrade to probable would’ve been seen as a sigh of relief for the Dallas faithful. He’s been out since he suffered a Grade 3 right MCL sprain against the Kings on February 10th. The 26-year-old has been a pillar in the Mavericks squad, averaging 12.3/6.9 this season while consistently shooting around 70% from the field throughout his career. But his injury has left a gaping hole in their center position, with Jason Kidd throwing everyone but the water boy in the lineup.
“Practice was good,” Gafford said about their time with the Texas Legends. “Getting a lot of range of motion in the knee, getting my body right, and getting my cardio back. I’ve got to get the lungs going again, get the leg conditioning back, just working through everything. But everything went well today. It was just another step in the process and the progress, trying to get back on the floor with the guys. Good vibes, great atmosphere, great attitude — just trying to get better and feel better too.”
Mavs hoping for post-season appearance with imminent returns of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II
It’s just one game at a time for the Mavs right now. They’ve recovered in the last few games, boasting a 5/5 record in the last 10 and winning their last two. When Anthony Davis returned to the lineup against the Nets, he gave flashbacks of his Lakers self with a 12/6/3 showing while shooting 66.6% from the field. He’d missed 18 games since he strained his left adductor during his debut for the Mavs in a 116–105 win over the Houston Rockets. But that debut showing went down in history regardless- becoming the third Mavs player ever to put up at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a half. He ended the game with a 26/16/7 scoreline along with 3 blocks.
AD’s injury coupled with Daniel Gafford’s absence really limited the Mavs for a center. Their defense was really lacking, as showcased by their heavy losses to the Rockets, Bucks (x2), Kings and the Warriors. Even when Kyrie Irving was fit, it just seemed impossible for his attacking prowess alone to take Dallas over the line.
Luckily for them, as long as their current form continues, they make the play-ins. It does seem like a daunting task considering their lenghthy injury list, but imminent returns to Gaddord and Lively II sometime during the play-ins could boost Jason Kidd’s rotational options. Regardless of the torrid season they’ve had so far, a playoffs appearance will be seen as a dub for the Mavs for sure.
May 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers in game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not guaranteed that either will return before the end of the season, with the Mavs only having 11 games left. But if Dallas makes a playoff push, they could be able to. When do you think we’ll see Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford back onto the floor?
The post When Will Daniel Gafford & Dereck Lively II Be Back? Mavericks Duo’s Return Timeline and Other Details Revealed appeared first on EssentiallySports.
