Mavericks Face Early Setback: Daniel Gafford’s Ankle Injury Raises Questions Ahead of Season Start

In a twist no one wanted right as the Dallas Mavericks kicked off their fall training camp in Vancouver, Daniel Gafford suffered a sprained ankle during his very first practice. Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed the frustrating setback on Tuesday, casting serious doubt over Gafford’s participation in the looming season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22. Just days after his 27th birthday, Gafford is now facing a two to three week recovery period that sidelines him from the remainder of training camp and the preseason. Considering his standout performance last season—averaging 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds on over 70% shooting, capped off by a lucrative three-year, $54 million contract extension—this timing couldn’t be worse. With the Mavericks already navigating a tumultuous offseason following Luka Dončić’s blockbuster trade and a slew of injuries to key players like Kyrie Irving, the team’s early challenges are piling up quicker than anyone hoped. Meanwhile, P.J. Washington’s recent head injury adds yet another layer of uncertainty for the Mavericks, though Kidd remains optimistic about his return. The stakes? High. The drama? Unfolding. This preseason promises to be a test of resilience and depth for Dallas as they look to rebound from last year’s stumble. LEARN MORE