Daniel Gafford Vows to “Hold the Fort” as Injuries Hit Mavericks Frontcourt

The Dallas Mavericks’ season has taken an early hit with key frontcourt injuries threatening to derail their rhythm. All-Star big man Anthony Davis remains sidelined with a lingering injury, while second-year center Dereck Lively II is also out, leaving Daniel Gafford as the lone veteran presence available to carry the load inside.

Davis’ absence has already been confirmed for Friday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, prolonging his recovery timeline. While his return could come soon, the Mavericks are forced to continue without two of their key interior defenders and rebounders. With Dallas sitting at 2–6 and tied with New Orleans near the bottom of the Western Conference, the pressure to stay competitive grows heavier by the day.

Amid the uncertainty, Gafford has embraced the role of stabilizer. “Holding the fort down for all the bigs right now until everybody gets back,” he told The Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend. “It’s kind of like déjà vu — we were in the same situation last year.”

His message to teammates has been simple: take your time, get healthy, and trust him to manage things in the meantime. “I told them, ‘Ya’ll get your bodies right and I’ll hold it down as much as I can until you get back,’” Gafford said. “I haven’t had a chance to tell AD yet, but I’m sure he understands where we are.”

1. Gafford’s Role Grows in the Paint

Gafford has long been known for his energy, rim protection, and ability to finish around the basket. With the Mavericks short-handed, those traits have become even more vital. Against the Pelicans earlier this week, he contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in a narrow 101–99 defeat. His consistency on both ends has offered Dallas a much-needed sense of reliability during a turbulent stretch. “When [Davis] comes back, I’m still going to assert my role, assert my dominance out there,” Gafford added. That mindset reflects not just confidence, but also maturity — a willingness to adapt between starring and supporting roles depending on the team’s needs. The Mavericks have struggled offensively this season, ranking last in the NBA with a 103.5 offensive rating. However, their defense remains one of the league’s best, sitting fourth overall at 110.8. Much of that stability has come from Gafford’s interior presence, which has helped mitigate the losses of Davis and Lively. Still, the team’s offensive woes have made his task more difficult. Without Davis to command attention in the post or Kyrie Irving — who remains out until 2026 recovering from an ACL injury — Gafford often finds himself battling for position in crowded lanes with limited spacing and support.

2. Searching for Identity Amid Growing Pains

The Mavericks’ issues extend beyond injuries. Through eight games, the team has struggled to develop a consistent offensive rhythm, often leaning too heavily on young players still adjusting to NBA pace and pressure. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, has shown flashes of brilliance but is still finding his footing. Flagg has averaged 14.4 points per game while displaying promise as a versatile scorer, yet his learning curve has coincided with the team’s uneven play. The Mavericks’ lack of experienced playmakers — compounded by Davis’ absence — has made it difficult to establish balance on offense. Head coach Jason Kidd has emphasized patience, acknowledging that early-season adversity can test a team’s resilience. “We’ve got guys stepping into bigger roles sooner than expected,” he said earlier in the week. “It’s about learning to compete, regardless of who’s available.” For Gafford, that philosophy has translated into leadership through example. His ability to anchor the defense and bring intensity every night has earned him the trust of his coaches and teammates — a steadying presence in a locker room searching for direction.

3. Looking Ahead: Staying Afloat in a Tough Western Race

The Mavericks’ immediate schedule doesn’t offer much relief. Following Friday’s matchup with Memphis, the team faces a quick turnaround with a road game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday. With limited depth in the frontcourt, Gafford’s endurance and discipline will be tested across both contests. Dallas remains optimistic that Anthony Davis could return soon, though no firm timetable has been announced. Until then, the Mavericks must continue relying on Gafford to patrol the paint, protect the rim, and provide energy — tasks he has embraced wholeheartedly. If the team can weather this stretch and regain its full roster, the early-season adversity could pay dividends later, strengthening chemistry and mental toughness. For now, however, the focus remains on staying competitive and building around the effort of players like Gafford and Flagg. As Gafford summed it up: “I’ll hold it down as much as I can. When everybody’s back, we’ll be ready to go.” His words reflect both the challenge and the optimism driving a Mavericks team determined to endure.