Lengthy teams have been an Achilles heel for the Dallas Mavericks this season. However, now it appears that they may have solved the issue with their acquisitions at the trade deadline.
Daniel Gafford – Gafford is an immediate upgrade to this roster. Dereck Lively II has been a breath of fresh air this season, but once he is off the floor, whether for foul trouble or injury, there is a significant drop off in production from the center position. Gafford at 6’10 and an immense athletic ability helps them maintain a paint presence. Since joining Dallas, he is averaging 13 rebounds per game, including his most recent game against his former team, where he racked up 17 boards. He is an absolute workhorse on the offensive glass, which has been huge in allowing his team to get some key second-chance points.
He also has proven his worth on the defensive end, which also answers a huge need for the Mavericks, as they have been dominated in the points in the paint category by bigger teams. This past game against the Washington Wizards, Gafford tallied 5 blocked shots. While the Wizards still were able to score points in the paint, Gafford still forced them to alter several shots at the rim.
PJ Washington – Washington had a strong debut for the Dallas Mavericks against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and brought several things to the table that will translate well for the Dallas Mavericks. Washington brings something that the team was definitely missing with Grant Williams, who was part of the package Wiliams was traded for. Washington dropped 14 points, and showed the ability to score from all areas of the floor. He drove to the basket, knocked down shots from the outside, and finished lobs at the rim. His physicality is a huge benefit to this team as they make a push toward the playoffs.
PJ Washington also shows his worth on another front for the Dallas Mavericks. He provides versatility to cover multiple positions for this team, and willingly fills the role. Washington and teammate Maxi Kleber played some stifling defense down the stretch against the Wizards to close out the game. He averages approximately one steal and one block for his career. He averaged roughly the same defensive statistics during his time in college for the Kentucky Wildcats.
The Mavericks have ultimately upgraded in the frontcourt, and are poised to make a run, provided the team stays healthy. They should be exciting to watch down the stretch. The next chance to see them in action will be against this year’s number one pick, Victor Wembenyama.