The harsh reality Daniel Gafford must accept this season

The Dallas Mavericks are fresh off a run to the NBA Finals with Daniel Gafford as their starting center. Their deadline trade turned into gold as he was a fantastic fit playing off Luka Doncic. At one point, Gafford made 33 straight field goal attempts, which is the second most in NBA history. He continued with the opening group throughout the playoffs, but head coach Jason Kidd faces several tough decisions entering the 2024-25 campaign.

Dereck Lively II helped the Mavericks win as a teenage rookie, and the 20-year-old plans on taking a step forward in year two. The 2023 lottery pick has a unique skill set that improves the team’s play on both ends of the floor. Lively II can guard on the perimeter, protect the rim, operate as a lob threat, and make some plays. The 7’1 big man is just starting and should be ready for more playing time in year two.

Gafford has primarily been a starter for the last three years, but the Mavs must convince him to accept a lesser role. It opens more minutes for Lively II and allows the 25-year-old to dominate second unit big men.

Daniel Gafford must accept coming off the bench for the Mavericks this season

This is no knock on Gafford. He averaged 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks in 21.5 minutes after being traded to Dallas last season. Gafford shot 78.0 percent from the field and developed a strong chemistry with Luka Doncic. He will still play a key role, but the Mavs must open up more run for Lively II.

Ideally, head coach Jason Kidd makes it a 28 to 20-minute split between the two big men. It will be easier to get Lively II the majority of the run if he is starting at the five. Dallas wants to avoid playing the two big men together, which will force Gafford to accept coming off the bench in a downsized role.

He was a reserve in eight games last season. Gafford is no stranger to coming off the bench and last season was the first time he started more than 53 contests. The transition should be smooth if the 6’10 big man is willing to accept and embrace his new role.

Daniel Gafford is under contract until the 2026 offseason. The Mavs would be in zero rush to move him, even if he struggles or is unhappy with his role. Gafford and Lively provide Doncic with 48 minutes of rim protection and a strong pick and roll partner. Both players still have room to grow and will be crucial pieces in Dallas moving forward.

The Dallas Mavericks need to convince Gafford to accept a lesser role and thrive in it. Watching him dominate reserve big men will be a treat. Fans should expect him to play next to Luka plenty as it opens up his offensive game. The Mavs hope to return to title contention, but much will depend on Lively II and Gafford. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.