The Dallas Mavericks' pillar who could miss the start of the NBA season 2025/26

The start of the campaign doesn't begin with good news for the Dallas Mavericks. Their starting center, Daniel Gafford, will be out for two to three weeks after twisting his ankle on the first day of training camp, as confirmed by Jason Kidd and reported by Tim MacMahon (ESPN). This setback jeopardizes his availability for the season opener on October 22nd against the San Antonio Spurs.

The schedule doesn't help: Gafford will miss almost all of the preseason, which starts on Monday and ends on October 15th. His absence leaves the Mavs without a key player in the paint, just after the player had a historic summer in his career. In 2023/24, the 25-year-old center averaged career highs with 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, although he could only play 57 games due to injuries, including a knee sprain that kept him out for 21 consecutive games.

Dallas' Solutions

Despite his physical history, Gafford was rewarded in the offseason with a three-year, $54 million extension that ties him to Dallas until 2029. Before this extension, his name was involved in trade rumors, but the deal solidified his future with the team. Furthermore, the contract doesn't restrict his eligibility: he remains tradeable without a six-month waiting period.

If the ankle injury prevents him from starting the season, the Mavericks have alternatives to bolster the frontcourt. Dereck Lively II is set to be the immediate replacement in the starting lineup, supported by Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg. However, the team needs a healthy and available Gafford to maintain their defensive identity and compete in an increasingly demanding Western Conference.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El pilar de los Dallas Mavericks que podría perderse el inicio de temporada NBA 2025/26