Mavs EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Gafford on Dallas Trade Adjustment, Playing with Luka, Kyrie & Much More
For as long as we can remember, the Dallas Mavericks’ roster has been lacking when it comes to having legitimate center depth. However, that situation has changed drastically over the last year with the drafting of Dereck Lively II last summer, and now, the trade addition of Daniel Gafford a little more than a week ago.
On Monday, Gafford sat down with our Mavs Step Back Podcast to discuss a wide range of topics, including how he’s adjusting to his new team, what it’s like playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, head coach Jason Kidd challenging him to be the best player he can be, his team’s goal of winning a championship, and much, much more.
Original image: USA TODAY Sports
“Just go in locked in,” Gafford said of his mindset heading into the Mavs’ final stretch of the season that starts against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. "This is the last half of the season, so we're really playing for something at this point. So just going in locked in.
"These teams aren't just going to come in and play around with us... They're gonna come out and probably throw the first punch sometimes, and we're probably gonna throw the first punch sometimes too. We just have to be in a position to where we can learn to adjust, stay focused, stay to the point where we're staying together, not getting frustrated with each other, and fighting through adversity and any obstacle as a team. The rest will take its course, for sure."
Gafford, despite having to learn new offensive and defensive terminology within the Mavs' system on the fly, has fit in like a glove. Through three games, the "Land Lord" is averaging 15.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while shooting 61.3 percent from the field. The Mavs haven't lost a game with Gafford and P.J. Washington on the roster, and as Gafford himself put it, "the sky is the limit" for this team as they continue to build chemistry over the final 27 games of the season.
You can listen to our entire exclusive interview with Gafford below, and be sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode. Also, leave us your takes in the comment section on YouTube. We want to hear from you!
