American · El Dorado, Arkansas · Born 1 October 1998Athletic and efficient shot-blocking center whose lob athleticism and defensive impact have made him one of the NBA's most exciting young big men.
Daniel Gafford was born on 1 October 1998 in El Dorado, Arkansas, and starred at El Dorado High School, being named Mr. Basketball of Arkansas in 2017 before committing to the University of Arkansas, where he earned first-team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team honours in his sophomore season. The Chicago Bulls selected Gafford in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft, and he developed into an efficient, high-energy centre renowned for his rim-running and shot-blocking ability, spending two seasons in Chicago before being traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021. Gafford became one of the league's most efficient finishers around the rim during his time in Washington, using his athleticism to convert lob passes and put-backs at an elite rate, before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024, where he continued to provide reliable interior scoring and rebounding off the bench and in the starting lineup. Gafford has continued to develop as one of the Mavericks' most efficient frontcourt contributors, renowned throughout his career for one of the highest field goal percentages in the league relative to his role.
Shot-blocking and rim protection
He finished the 2023-24 season with the highest field goal percentage in the NBA — shooting over 74% from the field by finishing at the rim with extraordinary efficiency as Luka Dončić's pick-and-roll partner.
Did You Know?How They Played
Defensive anchor, rim protector, efficient finisher
Lasting Impact
Reliable NBA center known for defensive presence
Career Honours
- NBA Finals 2024 (runner-up)
| Club | Period | Apps | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | 2019–2020 | 43 | #12 |
| Washington Wizards | 2020–2024 | 186 | — |
American Athletes