40 Facts About Daniel Gafford

Early Life and High School

Daniel Gafford's journey to the NBA began in a small town in Arkansas. His early years were filled with sports and activities that shaped his future.

1. Birth and Early Life: Daniel Gafford was born on October 1, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas.
2. High School Career: Gafford was a four-star recruit in high school and received offers from multiple schools, including Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Florida.
3. Multi-Sport Athlete: In high school, Gafford played both basketball and football. He played wide receiver until ninth grade at El Dorado High School and was also part of the marching band.

College Career at Arkansas

Gafford's college career at the University of Arkansas showcased his talent and potential, leading to significant improvements in his game.

4. Commitment to Arkansas: On August 1, 2015, Gafford committed to the University of Arkansas.
5. College Debut: In his first start for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Gafford finished a perfect 8 for 8 shooting, along with 7 rebounds and 6 blocks against Minnesota.
6. Freshman Season: During his freshman season, Gafford averaged 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
7. Returning to Arkansas: After his freshman season, Gafford announced that he would return to Arkansas for his sophomore year rather than declare for the 2018 NBA draft.
8. Sophomore Season: In his sophomore year, Gafford improved his statistics significantly, averaging 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He was named to the 2019 SEC All-Defensive Team and 1st Team All-SEC.
9. NBA Draft Eligibility: On March 18, 2019, after Gafford's sophomore season, it was announced that he would skip the 2019 National Invitation Tournament to prepare for the 2019 NBA draft.

Entering the NBA

Gafford's transition from college to the NBA marked the beginning of his professional career, starting with the Chicago Bulls.

10. NBA Draft Selection: Daniel Gafford was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 38th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
11. Professional Debut: On October 26, 2019, Gafford made his NBA debut, coming off the bench in an 84–108 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
12. NBA G League Assignment: For the opening night of the NBA G League season, Gafford was assigned to the Windy City Bulls.
13. Injury in 2020: On January 15, 2020, Gafford injured his thumb just 1 minute and 21 seconds into a match against the Washington Wizards. He was out for two to four weeks due to a dislocated thumb.

Washington Wizards Era

Gafford's time with the Washington Wizards saw him making significant contributions and setting records.

14. Trade to Washington Wizards: On March 25, 2021, Gafford was traded to the Washington Wizards in a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics.
15. Record-Breaking Field Goal Percentage: During the 2021 NBA playoffs, Daniel Gafford broke the all-time record for field goal percentage (minimum 15 shot attempts) with an astounding 84.6%.
16. Contract Extension: On October 18, 2021, Gafford signed a three-year, $40.2 million contract extension with the Washington Wizards.
17. Game-Winning Putback: On March 7, 2023, Gafford made a buzzer-beating, game-winning putback in a 119–117 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Joining the Dallas Mavericks

Gafford's move to the Dallas Mavericks marked a new chapter in his career, filled with impressive performances and milestones.

18. Trade to Dallas Mavericks: On February 8, 2024, Gafford was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Richaun Holmes and draft compensation.
19. Mavericks Debut: Two days later, on February 10, 2024, Gafford made his Mavericks debut, recording 19 points and nine rebounds in a 146–111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
20. Consecutive Made Field Goals: Shortly after joining the Mavericks, Gafford set a record of 33 consecutive made field goals, second all-time to Wilt Chamberlain's record of 35.
21. NBA Field Goal Percentage Leader: Gafford finished the 2023–2024 season as the NBA field goal percentage leader, with a percentage of 72.5% with 348 out of 480 shots made.
22. NBA Finals Appearance: Gafford helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals where they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Gafford's career statistics and achievements highlight his growth and impact on the court.

23. Playoff Statistics: In the 2021 playoffs with the Washington Wizards, Gafford averaged 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
24. 2024 Playoffs with Dallas Mavericks: In the 2024 playoffs with the Dallas Mavericks, Gafford averaged 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
25. Career Statistics: Throughout his career, Gafford has averaged 9.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
26. College Career Highlights: Gafford had a career field goal percentage of .635, which is second-best in school history at Arkansas. He also holds the sixth-best career blocked shots total with 141.
27. SEC All-Freshman Team: After his freshman season, Gafford was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
28. SEC All-Defensive Team: In his sophomore year, Gafford was named to the 2019 SEC All-Defensive Team.
29. Preseason Accolades: Before the 2019 season, Gafford was named to the Preseason 1st Team All-SEC by both coaches and media. He was also a candidate for the Wooden Award, Citizen Naismith Trophy, and Lute Olson Award.
30. Career Dunk Percentage: Of Gafford’s career 378 field goals made, 43 percent (163 total) were dunks.

Leadership and Personal Development

Gafford's leadership and personal development have been crucial in his basketball journey.

31. Captaincy: In the 2018-19 season, Gafford was voted a captain for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
32. Career Double-Doubles: Gafford recorded multiple double-doubles during his sophomore season at Arkansas, including a 27-point and 12-rebound performance against Indiana.
33. Game-High Performances: In several games during his sophomore season, Gafford scored game-highs, such as 20 points at Vanderbilt and 29 points versus Alabama.
34. Defensive Contributions: Gafford led the Razorbacks in deflections with 151, including 10 at Colorado State, nine vs. Austin Peay, and seven on three occasions.
35. Double-Doubles in College: Gafford achieved multiple double-doubles in college, including a performance of 21 points and 12 rebounds against No. 14 Auburn and 14 points with a then-career-high 14 rebounds versus UTSA.
36. Career Highlights in College: Gafford’s career highlights include a 32-point performance against LSU on 14-of-19 shooting, including a dunk with 30 seconds left to force overtime.
37. College Tournament Performances: In the SEC Tournament, Gafford posted double-doubles of 16 and 12 rebounds against Florida and 21 and 10 rebounds against No. 14 Auburn.

Professional Milestones and Personal Insights

Gafford's professional milestones and personal insights offer a glimpse into his dedication and growth.

38. Professional Career Milestones: Gafford has set multiple records in his professional career, including the record for consecutive made field goals and leading the NBA in field goal percentage.
39. Team Contributions: Gafford has been instrumental in his teams’ success, contributing to the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards in the playoffs and helping the Dallas Mavericks reach the NBA Finals.
40. Personal Development: Gafford credits his time in the marching band in high school for developing his skill set and discipline, which have been crucial in his basketball career.

Daniel Gafford's Impact on Basketball

Daniel Gafford's journey from El Dorado, Arkansas to the NBA showcases his dedication and talent. Starting as a multi-sport athlete in high school, he quickly made a name in college basketball with the Arkansas Razorbacks. His decision to return for a sophomore year paid off, leading to impressive stats and accolades. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls, Gafford's professional career took off, marked by significant contributions to the Bulls, Wizards, and now the Mavericks. His record-breaking field goal percentage and key playoff performances highlight his impact on the court. Gafford's story is one of perseverance, hard work, and continuous improvement. From high school marching band to NBA Finals, his journey inspires many. Keep an eye on Gafford as he continues to make waves in the basketball world.