Management’s rationale behind the Mavs’ trade was to create a dominant, defense-oriented frontcourt, with P.J. Washington at small forward, Anthony Davis at power forward, and Daniel Gafford at center.
This combination seemed promising in theory, and as Christian Clark of The Athletic highlights, the trio showed potential during their time together in a February 8 game against Houston.
However, the situation quickly unraveled as Washington suffered an ankle injury, followed by Davis going down with an adductor strain. To make matters worse, Gafford sustained a Grade 3 MCL sprain on February 10.
As a result of these numerous injuries – along with second-year center Dereck Lively still sidelined since January due to an ankle fracture – the Mavericks were forced to shift their approach and go small, as Clark notes.
Despite these setbacks, head coach Jason Kidd remains hopeful, stating on Thursday, “I’d say our goals are still obtainable. It’s a matter of, ‘Can we get healthy?’”
Kyrie Irving isn’t a fan of the negative leaks about Luka Doncic out of Dallas, plus more Mavs notes: https://t.co/7RhcJRKOkA
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 22, 2025
