While he may only have spent two games with the teams so far, new Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has already displayed exactly why the club traded for him at this year’s trade deadline.
Through two games, Gafford has already immersed himself in the starting lineup, averaging 17.5 points and putting up a monstrous performance against the Washington Wizards — his former team — with 16 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks, two assists, and two steals on Monday as Dallas pulled away in the fourth quarter.
“I really enjoyed seeing all the guys again,” Gafford told the media postgame. “At the end of the day, we came out and handled business. It took us a minute, but we for sure got it done in the end.”
The Mavericks acquired Gafford last Thursday in a trade with Washington, sending a first-round draft pick and veteran center Richaun Holmes to the Wizards. The Mavericks also acquired big man PJ Washington from the Charlotte Hornets around the same time, and head coach Jason Kidd has been pleased with how both have adapted after being thrown into the fire almost immediately.
“I thought for Gafford and PJ to start without a practice, it just shows their versatility,” Kidd told the media after Monday’s win. “They’re pros. I thought they both did well.”
While he is still figuring out his exact role in Dallas, Gafford is trying to adjust quickly and make the most of what he does best — particularly when it comes to playing with an offensive star like Luka Doncic.
“I’m still just trying to process everything and get everything locked in,” Gafford explained. “Most definitely before the next game. … On the defensive side, it’s pretty much all the same, [but on the] offensive side, pretty much everything changed. I really just let him (Doncic) do his thing and just be on the back end for a rebound or a lob.”
Gafford has already made a difference as a rebounder and a defender, which is exactly what Dallas wanted from him when he was acquired. He’ll look to complete the necessary adjustments and continue his career year as the Mavs (31-23) host the San Antonio Spurs (11-43) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.