Jason Kidd refuses to rule out Daniel Gafford for the season opener

As it is The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for the start of the 2025-26 NBA seasonhead coach Jason Kidd says the the team did not rule out center Daniel Gafford for opening night. Dallas will host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at the American Airlines Center at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN.

Kidd provided an update to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News on Saturday, noting Gafford’s participation in practice while is recovering from an ankle injury held during the first day of training camp on September 30.

“I went through practice today … Gaff was out of contact and Key and Exum were out,” Kidd said in a video posted online.

When pressed about Gafford’s chances to fit in, Kidd left the door open.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” he said.

Kidd provides updates. Gafford did some non-contact work. Kidd said he wasn’t sure about Gafford’s status for Wednesday, but “I wouldn’t rule him out.” pic.twitter.com/el728gikKk

— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) October 18, 2025

Gafford, 27, remains a key part of the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation entering the new campaign. The veteran big man averaged a career-high 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 assists per game last season while shooting 70.2 percent from the field in 57 appearances (31 starts). His rim protection, athleticism and efficiency provided Dallas with a reliable interior presence alongside Derek Lively II and PJ Washington.

Jason Kidd keeps Daniel Gafford’s status uncertain for the Mavericks’ season opener against the Spurs

The Mavericks coaching staff sees Gafford as central to the team’s defensive identity, especially after the overhaul that followed last season’s playoff exit. Dallas added star forward Anthony Davis in February’s emergency trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, pairing him with rookie Cooper Flagg and veteran PJ Washington to form one of the league’s longest and most versatile frontcourts.

Kidd also noted that Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum did not practice Saturday, with both sitting out as a precaution. Irving continues to make progress in his recovery from a torn ACL suffered last March, while Ekum is managing a minor lower-body issue.

Flagg, the top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, impressed during the preseason, averaging 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 44.5 percent from three. His emergence has helped Dallas stay competitive during the absence of several key veterans.

The Mavericks will keep a close eye on Gafford’s condition as the opener approaches. If he’s unable to play, Kidd could turn to Lively II or Washington for increased frontcourt minutes. Regardless of his status on Wednesday, Dallas believes Gafford’s size and interior defense will be vital to maintaining success in a deep Western Conference.

The The Mavericks finished the preseason with a 121-94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. in Las Vegas, finishing 3-1. They will now turn their attention to the regular season opener at home against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs — a matchup that will serve as an early test for Jason Kidd’s revamped roster and Dallas’ new-look frontcourt built around Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg.