Dereck Lively makes vow in first message to fans after injury setback 

The Dallas Mavericks suffered a major setback Wednesday following news of Dereck Lively's injury. In light of these developments, the former lottery pick sent out an encouraging message on social media.

Reports recently emerged that Lively will be sidelined for at least two months due to a fracture in his foot. The 20-year-old is in the midst of his second year with the Mavericks, where he has blossomed into a key member of the rotation.

While the news was circulating online, Dereck Lively took to Instagram to share his feelings on the situation. He seems to be in good spirits, as he told the world that he plans on being back again this season.

"I'll be back 🙏🏽," Lively wrote alongside his picture.

Dereck Lively took to Instagram to share his feelings on his injury setback. (Credits: IG/@derecklively)

This news leaves the Dallas Mavericks without another starter as they reach the halfway point in the regular season. Dallas has been without Luka Doncic for close to a month now after he got injured on Christmas Day.

Before suffering this foot injury, Lively appeared in 32 games for the Mavericks this year (starting 25 games). In that time, he averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

If Dereck Lively is able to return in two months, the Mavericks will get him back just before the start of the postseason.

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Who will play in place of Dereck Lively in the Dallas Mavericks' lineup?

With Dereck Lively sidelined for an extended period of time, Dallas coach Jason Kidd has some tweaking to do to his starting lineup and rotations. Minutes opening up could result in some new faces getting more playing time on a nightly basis.

Moving forward, Daniel Gafford is expected to be the Mavericks's full-time starting center with Lively out. He is coming off arguably his best performance of the season, racking up 31 points and 15 rebounds in the 105-110 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

After Gafford, Kidd is going to have to embrace a small-ball style until Dereck Lively is able to return. Maxi Kleber has played center a lot for Dallas in the past, and will likely have to embrace this role again. While he does give up some size, Kleber does provide a different element with his ability to space the floor.

Dwight Powell is another player who could have seen an uptick in minutes, but he too finds himself on the sidelines. The veteran big man is recovering from a hip injury, last suiting up for the Mavericks on Friday (Jan. 17).

Being without Dereck Lively is a tough blow for the Dallas Mavericks, as he has provided a physical presence in the frontcourt for them. That said, Kidd has the talent at his disposal to weather the storm until he is able to return.