Luka Doncic Has Major Praise for Mavs Trade Additions P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford

Mavs superstar Luka Doncic shared his thoughts on new additions Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington after playing his first game with them.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks had their first opportunity to play with new trade additions P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford during their 146-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. 

Gafford had a big performance, providing 19 points, nine rebounds, and one block in 17 minutes of action. Washington was another helpful contributor, providing 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 24 minutes.  

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"Amazing. Just happy they're here," Doncic said of Gafford and Washington. 

Doncic, who previously mentioned how he finally has the backup center he's wanted on the Mavs for about three years, was asked after Sunday's practice how important it was to be vocal about potential roster moves. He acknowledged that providing that input was "very important" for him. 

"You can see how important it is," Doncic said. "You can see the impact [Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington] have, so I think it's really important."

Before the trade deadline, one of the Mavs' limitations was a lack of perimeter size and Dereck Lively II being their only rim protector. Doncic sees Gafford as "pretty similar" to Lively as players, considering they are both athletic play finishers on offense while being paint protectors who do the dirty work. 

"They're both pretty similar — both great players," Doncic said. "To have two of those guys on the team, it's unbelievable."

Washington, at 6-foot-7, may only be one inch taller than Grant Williams, but he has a 7-foot-2 wingspan and is much more athletic. Doncic views Washington and Gafford as capable of guarding any position while providing needed size. 

"Both guys are very athletic. [P.J.] can guard one through five. I think even Gafford can guard one through five," Doncic said. "They're both very athletic. We just got bigger, which is better for our defense."

The Mavs practiced for the first time since acquiring Washington and Gafford. Doncic is intrigued by what the team can achieve after both players acclimate in the step-by-step process of learning schemes and building chemistry. 

"It's tough to come to a new team and get all the plays and all the defensive schemes — just play basketball," Doncic said. "We were able to do some stuff today, so step-by-step, they'll get it. It's going to be way easier for us."

The next chance for the Mavs to build continuity together will be on Sunday when they face the Washington Wizards — Gafford's former team.