Early Camp Challenges
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a handful of injury concerns at the very start of training camp, forcing head coach Jason Kidd to adjust rotations earlier than expected. While none of the setbacks appear season-threatening, they highlight the importance of depth and flexibility as the team prepares for the 2025–26 campaign.
Daniel Gafford: Ankle Keeps Him Out Multiple Weeks
Center Daniel Gafford suffered a sprained ankle during the opening day of camp and is expected to miss two to three weeks. That timeline places his return right around the regular season opener, though there’s no guarantee he will be ready.
Gafford’s absence creates a void in rim protection and interior scoring. His energy in the paint was expected to complement Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, giving Dallas a strong defensive foundation inside. In his absence, Kidd will lean on Lively, Davis, and rookie Cooper Flagg to handle frontcourt duties.
Brandon Williams: Hamstring Strain Sidelines Him Short-Term
Guard Brandon Williams strained his hamstring during practice and will miss about a week. While his absence is short-term compared to Gafford’s, it still thins out Dallas’s backcourt depth — particularly with Kyrie Irving still recovering from ACL surgery and not expected back until midseason.
Williams carved out a role last season as a scoring spark and secondary playmaker off the bench. For now, the Mavericks will rely more heavily on Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and potentially Dante Exum to absorb minutes in the guard rotation during preseason.
P.J. Washington Jr: Minor Bump, No Time Missed
The most reassuring update came with P.J. Washington Jr., who briefly left practice after a head bump during drills. Fortunately, the forward avoided a concussion and is not expected to miss any time. Kidd confirmed Washington should resume practice by week’s end and be available for preseason action.
Washington’s availability is especially important with Gafford sidelined. He will likely see expanded minutes at both forward and small-ball center, providing Dallas with a versatile two-way presence in the frontcourt rotation.
Looking Ahead
Injuries during camp are never ideal, but the Mavericks have reason to remain optimistic. Gafford’s ankle issue is temporary, Williams should return soon, and Washington avoided a setback altogether. With Anthony Davis leading the frontcourt, Cooper Flagg developing quickly, and Irving expected to return later in the season, Dallas still enters preseason with confidence.
If the Mavericks can navigate these early injury hurdles and get healthy in time for the regular season, their depth and versatility will be their biggest strengths.