DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks made a big profit by trading Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards before the midseason deadline. He has shown great chemistry with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and has anchored the team's defense, serving as a rim roller, inside relief option, and a big dribble handoff.
The Mavericks had a 21-8 record when Gafford was on the court. In those games, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 78.0% from the floor. As a starter, his performance improved even further, averaging 12.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, and further improving his field goal percentage to 79.3 percent, helping the team achieve an impressive 18-3 record.
“When I first got here, it felt like I was already playing here,” Gafford said. “When I first got here, I told the media that I was kind of already on this team. I was in the right place at the right time. Everyone told me what to do, what not to do. It taught me how to be really successful on the floor. The energy was positive and everyone really wanted to play to win.”
April 5, 2024. Dallas, Texas, USA.Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) beats Golden with a dunk.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Gafford, in the second season of a three-year, $40.2 million contract, could have been with the Mavericks years ago if things had gone differently. His influence helped the Mavs achieve a 50-win season, including a 16-2 record in 18 games and the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.
During the 2019 NBA Draft, the Mavericks selected Deividas Silvidis with the 37th pick and immediately traded him to Detroit. Shortly after, the Chicago Bulls acquired Gafford with the 38th pick. It was a pivotal moment that could significantly change the trajectory of Gafford's career.
Before entering the NBA, Gafford distinguished himself at the University of Arkansas, earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team in his second year and being named First Team All-SEC. His journey took him from the Chicago Bulls to the Washington Wizards and finally to Dallas, where he has since become a starting center with the requisite paint protection and finishing touches on interior play.
Gafford later learned from team officials that the Mavericks had been closely monitoring him throughout the pre-draft process.
“Some of our staff said it all the time before the draft, they always had their eye on me,” Gafford said. Talk to me about how the pre-draft went.
“I said, 'Well, I could have stayed here the first year.'
Since joining the Mavericks, Gafford has embraced his role, whether it's starting or coming off the bench. His ability to protect the rim and finish plays is often compared to NBA legends and has become an integral part of the team's identity. He forms a one-two punch in the center rotation with rookie Derek Lively II.
“Gaff has played an important role, starting, bringing him off the bench and being able to start,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “He's thinking about the team. He's giving us things we didn't have here. And Gaff and D-Live, being able to protect the rim and protect the paint. Being able to have two guys and being able to finish with lobs on the offensive end.”
In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by making 35 consecutive field goals, and Gafford came close to matching that feat this season with 33 consecutive field goals and 23 consecutive field goals. Gafford fit in perfectly with the team, often pulling off finishing passes from Doncic and Irving, leading to standout dunks and highly efficient finishes in the paint.
“When you talk about Gaff, Wilt (Chamberlain) gets mentioned as one of the best talents in the world, but that doesn't happen every day,” Kidd said. “He has been a huge contributor to our success.”
When the Mavericks face the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, Gafford will line up with Ivica Zubac in the paint, and Kawhi will have to be considered as an anchor and a key element of the game. are planning. Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Russell Westbrook.
“It really just motivates me to go out and do my job at an elite level, to be the best I can be in the position I’m given,” Gafford said. “When it comes to possession versus possession games, he stays up night and night just to be there for his teammates on the last line who are trying to anchor the defense.
“And as the loudest guy, not only do I try to make sure everyone knows where they are and where the screens are coming from, but I'm also trying to come back here and protect you at the end of the day.” You pretty much know there's someone there who will give you that day in case something happens on the front lines. ”
