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Mike Curtis: Asked Daniel Gafford for his impressions of Masai Ujiri & the decisions he’s made over the last month. “It is a business. I’m not necessarily surprised when it comes to some of the things that he’s done with the organization because I’m pretty sure he already had that in his back pocket when he got hired. I’m just sitting back & watching from afar…I’ve yet to get the chance to sit down & talk with him, but he made sure he called me & we had a good conversation on the phone.”
Mike Curtis: Daniel Gafford was asked if he feels 100% healthy: “I’m getting there. The rehab is good. I’m staying consistent. I’m holding myself accountable to just take care of my body…I don’t want to rush anything. Whenever I get back on the court & do all the workouts, I want to be 100% healthy.”
There is a desire for better center play, true lob threats who mimic the skills of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories). There is a desire for true two-way defensive players, wings with athleticism and energy on the defensive end and a sweet shooting stroke on the offensive side of the ball. And there’s a desire to lock in a long-term secondary playmaker next to Dončić. Reaves, who will decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent after the season, is the most logical fit for that role.
Those priorities remain, according to league sources. There is a desire for better center play, true lob threats who mimic the skills of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories). There is a desire for true two-way defensive players, wings with athleticism and energy on the defensive end and a sweet shooting stroke on the offensive side of the ball. And there’s a desire to lock in a long-term secondary playmaker next to Dončić.
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Irving’s mentorship is currency. And he has no problem spending it. The resounding response to Irving’s leadership this season has been one of gratitude, for his vocal communication during games and his encouraging one-liners. From Max Christie: “Just take one step forward and continue to put one foot in front of the other.” AJ Johnson: “Embrace the journey. Treat it as a gift.” Moussa Cisse: “Stick together.” “He sees when guys are in their heads,” said Daniel Gafford, one of the more veteran players who spoke about Irving. “He’s taking all of his experience, all of his game knowledge and he’s giving it to the younger generation.”
Grant Afseth: Dallas Mavericks Injury Report vs. Los Angeles Clippers: PROBABLE: Moussa Cissé: Probable (G League Two-Way) John Poulakidas: Probable (G League Two-Way) Tyler Smith: Probable (G League Two-Way) QUESTIONABLE: Marvin Bagley III: Questionable (Left Shoulder Impingement) Brandon Williams: Questionable (Illness) DOUBTFUL: Daniel Gafford: Doubtful (Right Shoulder Impingement) Caleb Martin: Doubtful (Right Plantar Fascia Strain) OUT: Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee Surgery) Dereck Lively II: Out (Right Foot Surgery)
Mike Curtis: #Mavs center Daniel Gafford (right shoulder sprain) remains out for tomorrow’s game against the #Blazers. Caleb Martin (right plantar fascia strain) is also out. Two-ways Moussa Cisse and John Poulakidas are doubtful. Tyler Smith is probable.
Grant Afseth: Daniel Gafford (right shoulder sprain) is out against the Denver Nuggets. Brandon Williams (concussion protocol) is available to play.
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Grant Afseth: Final: Hawks 135, Mavericks 120 Daniel Gafford: 24 PTS, 8 REB P.J. Washington: 23 PTS, 9 REB, 2 BLK Cooper Flagg: 17 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST CJ McCollum: 24 PTS, 7 AST Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 22 PTS, 2 AST Dyson Daniels: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST Dallas (23-47) hosts the Clippers next.
Mike Curtis: #Mavs center Daniel Gafford (rest) is doubtful for tonight’s game against the #Cavs. PJ Washington is also doubtful due to left ankle soreness. Naji Marshall is questionable due to left foot soreness. Caleb Martin is probable with a left finger sprain.
Grant Afseth: Final: Mavericks 120, Grizzlies 112 Khris Middleton: 35 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL Daniel Gafford: 22 PTS, 14 REB, 1 BLK Cooper Flagg: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST Jaylen Wells: 23 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST GG Jackson: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST Dallas (22-44) hosts Cleveland next.
