Daniel Gafford is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 2024, he led the league in NBA Field Goal Percentage.
Player Profile
Daniel Gafford was born on October 1, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas, United States of America. He stands 208 cm tall and his weight is listed at 106 kg. Gafford plays as a right-handed center and power forward.
High School and College Career
Gafford attended El Dorado High School in his hometown. As a senior in 2016-17, he led his team to the state championship game.
| Team |
Dallas Mavericks
|
| Position | Center |
| Height / weight | 2.08 m / 106 kg |
| Born | 1 Oct 1998 |
| Nationality |
United States
|
| Playing Style | Right Handed |
| Team History | |
|
Dallas
|
2024 - present |
Washington
|
2021 - present |
|
Washington
|
2021 |
Chicago
|
2019 - 2021 |
Gafford played two seasons of college basketball for the University of Arkansas from 2017 to 2019. As a sophomore in 2018-19, he earned First Team All-SEC honors.
Professional Career
Gafford was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 38th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2019 NBA Draft. He spent his first two NBA seasons with the Bulls from 2019 to 2021. In that time, he also played for the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League.
In March 2021, Gafford was traded to the Washington Wizards. In October 2021, Gafford signed a three-year, $40.2 million contract extension with the Wizards.
In February 2024, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. In his Mavericks debut on February 10, 2024, Gafford recorded 19 points and 9 rebounds in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Shortly after joining the Mavericks, Gafford set a record of 33 consecutive made field goals, second all-time to Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 35. The streak lasted from March 5 to March 13, 2024.
Gafford finished the 2023-24 season as the NBA field goal percentage leader at 72.5%. In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, he helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.
As of 2024, he still plays for Dallas.
Career Highlights
- 2024 - NBA field goal percentage leader
- 2019 - SEC All-Defensive Team
- 2019 - First Team All-SEC
- 2018 - SEC All-Freshman Team
- 2017 - Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year
