Daniel Gafford shot 65.5 percent from the field last season with a 67.7 percent true shooting mark, both elite marks for a center. Yet his net rating sat at minus-7.1 in 21.7 minutes a night, with a defensive rating of 113.0 that beat Dallas's team-wide 115.5 mark.
The Efficiency Case
Gafford scored efficiently without needing plays run for him, carrying just a 15.1 percent usage rate while shooting 65.5 percent from the field and 68.3 percent from the line. His 67.7 percent true shooting led every regular in Dallas's rotation, proof he finishes nearly everything he touches inside. He added 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals a night against 6.9 rebounds, a 14.5 percent rebound rate, while his 7.1 percent assist rate and zero three-point attempts in 55 games mark him strictly as a finisher, not a shooter or a passer.
The Lineup Swing
The swing shows up when Washington leaves the floor. A Washington-Gafford-B. Williams-Christie-Flagg group went plus-2.2 over 14 games last season, Dallas's best five with Gafford at center. Swap in Marshall for B. Williams next to that same Washington-Gafford-Christie-Flagg core and the number drops to minus-0.6 over 16 games. Pull Washington out entirely for a Gafford-Marshall-B. Williams-Christie-Flagg unit and the bottom falls out, to minus-17.6 over 13 games. Across his own minutes, Gafford's 105.9 offensive rating trailed Dallas's team mark of 110.3, while his 113.0 defensive rating beat the team's 115.5 — the defense travels with him, the offense needs Washington alongside him to hold.
What Health Buys Him
Gafford is not on the injury report, a rare clean bill in a camp full of day-to-day tags across the roster. His deal runs through 2028-29, climbing from $17.3 million this season to $18.1 million in 2027-28 and $19.0 million in the final year. That contract locks in a rim finisher and interior defender Dallas can count on showing up every night, even while other frontcourt spots on the roster remain unsettled. His job this season is unchanged from last: protect the rim, finish nearly everything inside, and stay on the floor next to Washington, the pairing that actually pushed Dallas's net rating positive.
What were Daniel Gafford's stats last season?
Gafford averaged 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds over 55 games, blocking 1.3 shots a night while shooting 65.5 percent from the field in 21.7 minutes.
Why does Gafford's net rating lag his shooting efficiency?
His lineups defended well, posting a 113.0 defensive rating, but scored only 105.9 on offense, leaving him at minus-7.1 net rating despite elite touch inside.
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