Daniel Gafford out two weeks

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford will miss two to three weeks after spraining his ankle during Tuesday’s opening practice of training camp, coach Jason Kidd confirmed Wednesday, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN. His status for the season opener on October 22 against the San Antonio Spurs remains uncertain.

Gafford averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 57 games for the Mavericks last season, providing key frontcourt scoring and defense. His absence will force Dallas to adjust rotations and rely on other big men for interior presence.

Dwight Powell and Dereck Lively II are expected to see increased minutes as the Mavericks navigate early-season matchups without Gafford.

Gafford, 27, has built a career on efficient scoring and defensive versatility, boasting a 70.9 percent field-goal rate across 378 NBA games.

Dallas will integrate rookie Cooper Flagg and veteran additions like D’Angelo Russell while Gafford recovers.

Gafford’s injury highlights the importance of depth in Dallas’ frontcourt, particularly with the rotation adapting to a post-Luka Doncic era.