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). Head 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 frontcourt 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.
With Lively and AD. You need a healthy Gafford lols.
Get well player ………
With NBA and TV ratings constricting, we need players who add flair to the game. Gafford’s injury opens a direct window to add such a player: no strange to hype (3rd overall pick), drama (One of the former Trust the Process’ anchors, who showcased his abilities as a rookie, then began to fade, until getting abruptly replaced, expelled from the Process and out of the league in little time), the gifted low post scorer, still one of the most polished back to the basket scorers in basketball, known as Jahlil Okafor, can join a team of superstar-laden teammates, as a high-profile 4th or 5th frontcourt option, that you can plug and play amidst injuries. Defensive shortcomings? Sure. Situational center, one that you can throw the ball in the post to, and create offense? I think he’s still able to