Gafford played for the Bulls and Wizards before a trade sent him to the Mavericks in Feb. 2024. With Dallas, the 27-year-old has been at his best, averaging 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks over 21.6 minutes in 141 regular-season contests. However, he has had trouble staying on the floor, logging just 112 regular-season games since the start of the 2024-25 campaign. Gafford's injury history alone doesn't give him a favorable outlook, though even if he stays off the injury report, he likely won't have the easiest path to playing time. The Mavericks are loaded with depth, and while PJ Washington isn't a full-time center, he's capable of playing the position. The same is true for Santi Aldama, who was acquired from the Grizzlies in July, and 2026 No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson. Perhaps the biggest barrier for Gafford is the oft-injured Dereck Lively (foot), who underwent season-ending surgery in Dec. 2025. Gafford could very well be the starting center to begin the season, though that could change once Lively is cleared for a full workload. Johnson may need some time to develop his game, but he is another player who could carve out a prominent role sooner rather than later. With so many moving parts and a less-than-favorable injury history, Gafford could struggle to stay consistently productive, though he should have more than a few efficient performances throughout the year.