Daniel Gafford Bio
Daniel Gafford is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a center and power forward for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on October 1, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas, Gafford developed his skills at El Dorado High School before playing college basketball for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. The Chicago Bulls selected him in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft with the 38th overall pick. Gafford has established himself as one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA, leading the league in field goal percentage during the 2023-2024 season. He signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2025.
Early Life and Background
Daniel Gafford grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he attended El Dorado High School. During his high school years, Gafford was a four-star recruit and received scholarship offers from multiple major college programs including Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Florida. He made his college commitment on August 1, 2015, choosing to stay close to home by joining the University of Arkansas. Beyond basketball, Gafford played wide receiver on the football team until ninth grade and participated in his high school marching band, which he credits for developing his overall skill set.
Path to Professional Basketball
At El Dorado High School, Gafford distinguished himself as one of Arkansas’s top prep players. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Mr. Basketball of Arkansas in 2017, solidifying his reputation as the state’s top high school player. The recognition helped him attract attention from college programs across the Southeast. After his high school career, Gafford enrolled at the University of Arkansas, where he immediately made an impact at the collegiate level.
Daniel Gafford Career
College Career (2017–2019)
Daniel Gafford played two seasons for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2017 to 2019. In his freshman year, he announced his presence with a remarkable performance in his first start, shooting a perfect 8 for 8 while recording 7 rebounds and 6 blocks against Minnesota. He continued to dominate, posting 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocks against No. 14 Auburn. After averaging 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds as a freshman, Gafford received SEC All-Freshman team honors and chose to return for his sophomore year rather than enter the NBA Draft.
Gafford significantly improved during his sophomore season, raising his averages to 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. His dominant play earned him spots on both the SEC All-Defensive Team and First-team All-SEC in 2019. Following his stellar sophomore campaign, Gafford announced he would skip the 2019 National Invitation Tournament to prepare for the NBA Draft, concluding his college career as one of Arkansas’s most accomplished big men in recent memory.
Chicago Bulls (2019–2021)
The Chicago Bulls selected Daniel Gafford with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft. He signed his rookie contract on July 8, 2019, and made his NBA debut on October 26, 2019, coming off the bench in a loss to the Toronto Raptors. Gafford also saw time with the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League during his rookie season. Unfortunately, his momentum was interrupted when he suffered a dislocated thumb just 71 seconds into a game against the Washington Wizards on January 15, 2020, sidelining him for approximately two to four weeks.
Washington Wizards (2021–2024)
On March 25, 2021, Gafford was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team deal involving the Boston Celtics. The move proved transformative for his career. During the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Gafford set a remarkable record by shooting 84.6% from the field with a minimum of 15 shot attempts, showcasing his efficiency around the rim. On October 18, 2021, he signed a three-year, $40.2 million contract extension with the Wizards, rewarding his strong play with long-term security. One of his most memorable moments came on March 7, 2023, when he delivered a buzzer-beating putback to defeat the Detroit Pistons 119-117.
Dallas Mavericks (2024–Present)
On February 8, 2024, Gafford was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Richaun Holmes and draft compensation. He made his Mavericks debut just two days later, recording 19 points and 9 rebounds in a commanding 146-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shortly after arriving in Dallas, Gafford embarked on an extraordinary shooting streak, making 33 consecutive field goals from March 5 to 13, 2024, ranking second all-time in NBA history behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 35.
Gafford’s debut season with the Mavericks culminated in leading the NBA in field goal percentage at 72.5%, converting 348 of his 480 shot attempts. His exceptional play helped propel the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics in five games. The 2024-2025 season saw Gafford reach new career heights, scoring a career-high 27 points with 12 rebounds in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 15, 2025, followed by an even more impressive 31-point, 15-rebound performance with seven blocks against the Charlotte Hornets on January 20, 2025. On July 12, 2025, Gafford secured his future with Dallas by signing a three-year, $54 million contract extension.
Driving Style and Strengths
Daniel Gafford has established himself as an elite finisher around the basket, utilizing his 6-foot-10 frame and 208-centimeter height to dominate the paint. His exceptional field goal percentage stems from his ability to finish lobs, cut to the basket, and establish deep post position. Gafford’s timing on blocks and defensive instincts earned him SEC All-Defensive team recognition in college, and he has carried that defensive prowess to the NBA level. His high basketball IQ and willingness to set hard screens create opportunities for himself and teammates alike.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Gafford has accumulated several notable achievements that highlight his impact on the court. His 33 consecutive made field goals during the 2024 season placed him second only to Wilt Chamberlain in NBA history. Winning the NBA field goal percentage title in 2023-2024 cemented his reputation as one of the most efficient scorers in the league. His buzzer-beater against the Pistons in 2023 demonstrated his ability to deliver in clutch moments, while his NBA Finals appearance with the Mavericks marked the biggest stage of his professional career.
Daniel Gafford Career Wins
Throughout his NBA career, Daniel Gafford has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and efficient performers at his position, accumulating significant wins across multiple franchises while establishing several records along the way.
Dallas Mavericks Highlights
Since joining the Mavericks in February 2024, Gafford has experienced the most successful stretch of his career. He helped lead Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals, where they faced the Boston Celtics. During his debut season with the team, he captured the NBA field goal percentage crown by shooting 72.5% from the field. His standout performances included multiple 20-plus point games, highlighted by a career-high 31-point effort against the Charlotte Hornets in January 2025. The Mavericks’ deep playoff run represented the pinnacle of his professional achievements to date.
Other Highlights
Prior to joining the Mavericks, Gafford delivered several memorable performances with the Washington Wizards. His buzzer-beating game-winner against the Detroit Pistons on March 7, 2023, showcased his clutch abilities in pressure situations. During the 2021 playoffs with Washington, he set a postseason record with an 84.6% shooting percentage, demonstrating his ability to perform when the stakes were highest. His consistent production across all three teams has made him a valuable two-way player throughout his NBA journey.
| Season | Team | Games | Field Goal % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Dallas Mavericks | 29 | 72.5% |
| 2023-24 | Washington Wizards | 41 | 70.2% |
| 2021 Playoffs | Washington Wizards | 5 | 84.6% |
Daniel Gafford Family
Personal Life
Outside of basketball, Daniel Gafford is an avid fan of anime, particularly the series Black Clover. He has expressed how the manga’s main character Asta’s determination and never-give-up attitude have influenced his approach to the game. Gafford named his dog after the Black Clover character Mereoleona Vermillion. He also has anime-inspired tattoos that reflect his passion for the art form. This unique interest provides insight into the personality behind the player, showing a creative side that complements his athletic abilities.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-2025 season has represented a breakthrough year for Daniel Gafford with the Dallas Mavericks. After joining the team midway through the previous season and helping them reach the NBA Finals, Gafford entered the campaign with heightened expectations. His early-season form validated the Mavericks’ investment, as he consistently posted double-digit scoring nights while maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s most efficient finishers. The January 2025 stretch saw him record consecutive career-high scoring performances, demonstrating his expanded offensive repertoire and increased confidence in his role within the offense.
Gafford’s chemistry with Mavericks star Luka Dončić has become increasingly evident, as the two have developed a strong pick-and-roll connection that exploits opposing defenses. His ability to finish lobs and catch dump-off passes near the rim has made him a reliable secondary scoring option. Defensively, Gafford continues to protect the rim with authority, ranking among the league leaders in blocks per game. His $54 million contract extension signed in July 2025 reflects the organization’s belief in his long-term value to the franchise as they pursue championship aspirations in the Western Conference.