By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Since when Daniel Gafford joined the Dallas Mavericks from the Washington Wizards last year, the 26-year-old center has created a valuable partnership and connection with Luka Doncic.
Their chemistry reached such a high level that there’s the possibility of seeing him joining the Slovenian phenomenon in national team competitions has emerged over the past few months. Speaking to Grant Afseth from DallasHoopsJournal.com, he doesn’t rule out the possibility.
He even considered joining the team last summer, at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece. “It was something that was like consideration, but it’s pretty much a timing thing for me. I like to spend the majority of my time with my family, so it’ll just depend, for sure”, he said.
Daniel Gafford said that playing with the national team would benefit. “I think it’d be great. We already have a good relationship, but doing something like that could take it to the next level. It would give me a chance to see his background, learn about where he came from, and understand how he started his professional career. That would help us connect more”, he said about Luka Doncic.
So far in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season and NBA Cup, Daniel Gafford has been averaging 12.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game with the Dallas Mavericks.
Slovenia managed to qualify for the upcoming EuroBasket 2025 after getting a 1-1 record against Portugal in the latest qualifying window, but Luka Doncic couldn’t join the team. “I wish I could be part of it, but obviously, I can’t”, he reflected before the national team break.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images