Daniel Gafford Finally Ready To Hit Threes For Dallas

Daniel Gafford, the Dallas Mavericks center, is finally prepared to take three-pointers, marking a significant change in his role and the team's offensive strategy. Gafford, who has never attempted a three-pointer in his NBA career, acknowledges this is a major upgrade for the Mavericks, a team that thrives on spacing to win games.

The 31-year-old center has only ever taken one three-pointer during a game with the Washington Wizards in the 2021-22 season, when he hit it out of desperation. He admitted that the shift to taking rhythm threes feels strange at first, but he is eager to prove his worth and earn the trust of his teammates and coaches. Gafford understands that his first attempts might not go well, but he is confident that with time, he will build the necessary confidence to become a reliable three-point threat.

Gafford's background at Arkansas was primarily focused on setting screens, rolling to the basket, catching lobs, and rebounding. He spent most of his college years dunking the ball, rarely attempting shots from beyond the arc. Now, as he transitions to a professional career, he is adapting to a new role that requires him to add shooting to his repertoire.

The Mavericks signed Gafford to a three-year, $54.4 million contract extension ahead of the 2026-27 season, demonstrating their belief in his potential. Coach Dusty May expects Gafford to take advantage of the open looks that come his way, as doing so opens up driving lanes for other players like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. The team is counting on Gafford's newfound three-point shooting skills to boost their defense's confidence and create scoring opportunities for their stars.