Mavericks center Daniel Gafford is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks after rolling his ankle, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link). Coach Jason Kidd said the injury occurred Tuesday on the first day of training camp.
Dallas is set to open the season October 22 against San Antonio, so Gafford’s availability is in question if he takes the full three weeks to recover. He will likely miss the team’s entire preseason schedule, which starts Monday and ends October 15.
Gafford averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game last season, along with 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, but injuries limited him to 57 games. He sat out 21 straight contests with a sprained knee late in the season, but was able to return in early April.
His offseason was highlighted by a three-year, $54MM extension that runs through the 2028/29 season. He had been considered a potential trade candidate before coming to terms on the new deal, and he remains trade eligible without a six-month waiting period.
The Mavs are well stocked in the front court if Gafford isn’t available for the season opener. Dereck Lively II would probably start at center alongside Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg.
Sheesh, start the season already.
Players dropping like flies with all these injuries.
…and so it begins.