26 Points, 17 Rebounds! Decides to Join Forces with Doncic! The NBA’s Best “Finisher” Center…

In an unexpected turn of events, Daniel Gafford, one of the NBA's most efficient big men, has reportedly expressed his intention to join the Slovenian national team for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament next year. Gafford, who turned 26 earlier this year, has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the league for his exceptional finishing ability, drawing comparisons to the most effective bigs in the modern NBA. However, his decision to play internationally represents a surprising, yet strategic move, potentially elevating both his career and the future of the Slovenian national team.

A Career Turnaround

Gafford's career has taken an impressive turn in recent seasons. After being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft as the 8th pick, his journey through the league was initially underwhelming. However, a midseason trade to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023-2024 season provided Gafford with the perfect opportunity to showcase his immense potential. His time with the Mavericks has been a career-changing experience, with Gafford stepping up in a significant way when given the chance.

Last season, he had a standout performance, posting an impressive 26 points and 17 rebounds in a single game, a personal best. More importantly, Gafford was a key contributor on a team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals, proving that he can perform on the biggest stage. This season, Gafford has continued his strong play, averaging 12.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in just 21.1 minutes of play, with an astonishing 72% shooting efficiency. His ability to finish plays around the basket is unparalleled, and his remarkable field goal percentage is the best in the league. What makes Gafford's performance even more impressive is his near-perfect connection with Luka Dončić, the Mavericks' star and one of the best playmakers in the world. Dončić, known for his elite passing, has turned Gafford into one of the most efficient finishers in the NBA, feeding him a steady diet of easy looks at the rim. The combination of Gafford’s finishing ability and Dončić’s playmaking has made the Mavericks an exciting team to watch this season.

Joining the Slovenian National Team

The decision for Gafford to make himself available to play for Slovenia is a huge move. Gafford is reportedly interested in playing for Slovenia in the next EuroBasket tournament, which will give him the chance to join forces with none other than Luka Dončić. This partnership, which could develop into one of the most dynamic duos in international basketball, is being viewed as a game-changer for both the Slovenian national team and Gafford’s career.

While Slovenia has been successful in recent years, especially with Dončić leading the charge, the addition of Gafford would elevate their team to another level. The Slovenian national team has struggled to find consistent support around Dončić on the interior. Despite Dončić's individual brilliance, he has often been forced to carry the load by himself in international competitions. This was especially evident during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Dončić led the team with 23.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, but the team ultimately finished in 4th place. In the 2022 EuroBasket, Dončić again put up incredible numbers—26 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game—but Slovenia fell short in the quarterfinals, ending their tournament run without a medal. Similarly, in the 2023 World Cup, Dončić’s performance was spectacular, averaging 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, but Slovenia could only manage a 7th place finish.

With the addition of Gafford, however, Slovenia could finally address their biggest need: a true force in the paint, someone who can provide consistent scoring and rebounding down low while also contributing defensively. Gafford’s defensive presence and ability to dominate the paint would complement Dončić’s all-around playmaking and scoring ability. Furthermore, Gafford’s high efficiency and limited turnovers would allow Slovenia to optimize their offensive schemes, with Dončić being able to dish out assists to a reliable target in the paint. The Slovenian team, after missing out on a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics through the qualifiers, will be eager to bounce back and challenge for a medal at the EuroBasket tournament. The addition of a player like Gafford could prove to be the missing piece that propels Slovenia back to the top of international basketball.

Gafford’s Role in Slovenia

Playing alongside Dončić on the Slovenian national team offers Gafford the opportunity to grow his game in a different context—one where the emphasis is less on his scoring and more on his role as a complementary piece. While Gafford has flourished in Dallas, playing with Dončić could help him develop an even greater understanding of spacing, timing, and defensive rotations in a team-oriented system. He won’t be the focal point of the offense, but rather a key component in an offense that revolves around Dončić's playmaking ability. For Gafford, this could be an invaluable experience that further refines his skills and prepares him for a more significant role in the NBA, should he continue to develop alongside international stars.

Additionally, Gafford's defensive abilities would be a significant asset to the Slovenian team. The combination of his rim protection and athleticism on the glass would help shore up Slovenia’s interior defense, making them a much tougher opponent for teams that rely on big men to dominate the paint. His ability to disrupt shots, grab rebounds, and finish on the fast break could give Slovenia an edge over their competitors in EuroBasket 2024.

The Dallas Mavericks and Luka Dončić’s Surrounding Talent

The decision for Gafford to join the Slovenian national team also highlights the unique situation that Luka Dončić is in with the Dallas Mavericks. Despite his undeniable talent, Dončić has often found himself in the position of carrying the team almost singlehandedly, which has raised questions about the Mavericks' roster construction. The current 11-8 record is a reflection of Dončić’s greatness, but it also raises concerns that the team might not be as well-rounded as it needs to be in order to compete for a title. The Mavericks have a strong supporting cast, including sharpshooter Khris Middleton and rising star Jaden Ivey, but the team is still looking for more consistency, especially when Dončić is off the floor.

The addition of Gafford, though not a direct solution to all of the Mavericks' problems, is a step in the right direction. His efficiency as a center gives the Mavericks a reliable scoring option inside, allowing them to diversify their offense. It also takes pressure off Dončić, allowing him to focus on what he does best—creating opportunities for others. If Gafford can continue his stellar play alongside Dončić in the NBA and in international competitions, he will undoubtedly increase his value both as an NBA player and as a key contributor to the Slovenian national team.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 EuroBasket tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Luka Dončić and the Slovenian national team, and with good reason. The team has often struggled to find the right pieces to complement Dončić, but with Gafford potentially in the fold, they could finally have a balanced squad capable of contending for international glory. Gafford’s decision to join the Slovenian national team isn’t just a chance for him to play on the world stage; it’s an opportunity to solidify his legacy as one of the best centers in the league and to play alongside one of the most talented players to ever play the game.

For Luka Dončić, the addition of Gafford might just be the boost he needs to finally bring Slovenia the success they’ve been striving for. Together, the two could form a dynamic duo capable of competing with the best teams in Europe. With the Mavericks looking to contend in the NBA and the Slovenian team aiming for a EuroBasket title, Daniel Gafford’s decision could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career and in the history of Slovenian basketball.