Dallas, TX — Mavericks center Daniel Gafford said Friday he is in no hurry to return to on-court activities while he rehabs the right ankle sprain that bothered him throughout the 2025/26 season.
“I’m getting there. The rehab is good. I’m staying consistent,” the 27-year-old told reporters. “Whenever I get back on the court and do all the workouts, I want to be 100% healthy.”
Gafford injured the ankle on the first day of training camp last fall and was limited to 55 regular-season games, averaging 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.7 minutes. He added that his only contact so far with new president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri has been a phone call, but he is “sitting back and watching from afar” as the executive reshapes the organization.
Queen seeks guidance at the Finals
Pelicans rookie center Derik Queen, acting as a player correspondent at Wednesday’s NBA Finals game, reunited with teammate Jose Alvarado and asked Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns for advice. Towns urged him to “lock into the film consistently” and “never leave the gym,” adding that experience eventually teaches players how to maintain production with less energy.
Pelicans add Amanda Green to front office
New Orleans continued restructuring its basketball operations by hiring former Thunder executive Amanda Green as executive, strategy and analytics. Green previously worked in San Antonio and the NBA league office. The move follows Thursday’s appointment of Thomas Scott as general manager of the Pelicans’ G League affiliate.
Clippers evaluate six draft prospects
The Clippers brought in guards Nick Boyd (Wisconsin), Anthony DellOrso (Arizona), Peter Suder (Miami-OH), Bruce Thornton (Ohio State), forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue) and center Keba Keita (BYU) for workouts this week, according to league sources. Thornton, ranked No. 52 on ESPN’s big board, is the highest-rated prospect in the group. Los Angeles owns the Nos. 5, 36 and 52 selections in this month’s draft.
Source: Hoops Rumors
