Hoops Hype

Kristaps Porziņģis, Boston’s interminable center, overlapped with Gafford for a season and a half with the Wizards after Dallas traded the former All-Star to the nation’s capital and before Porziņģis departed for the Celtics last summer. They battled in practice every day. They started together in Washington’s frontcourt. “He used to always give me pointers,” Gafford said. “He … [Read more...] about

https://www.washingtonsports.today/basketball/wizzards/395660/

Gafford was also previously scheduled to play in Boston on Feb. 9, but the day before served as the annual trade deadline — which uprooted Gafford from Washington and the Wizards’ impending date with the Celtics. “What’s crazy … we were actually headed here to play Boston,” Gafford said. … [Read more...] about

https://www.washingtonsports.today/basketball/wizzards/395570/

He and rookie Dereck Lively II have solidified Dallas’ defense at the rim as the Mavs have had the best defense in the league the last two months. Gafford has been able to stay on the floor despite having to guard the likes of OKC’s Chet Holmgren and Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns in the last two rounds. “I would just say I’ve been the same version (of himself) throughout my … [Read more...] about

https://www.washingtonsports.today/basketball/wizzards/395474/

But after last summer’s three-team trade with Memphis and Washington sent Porziņģis to Boston, and a trade deadline deal last February with Dallas and Oklahoma City sent Gafford to the Mavericks, they’re here in the NBA Finals with a ring at stake. “Gaff is dangerous because he’s so eff’in explosive,” Porziņģis said to The Athletic Wednesday. “If you’re late, you’re in trouble. … [Read more...] about

https://www.washingtonsports.today/basketball/wizzards/395295/

Players who have been selected that high at 22 years or older have not, for the most part, gone on to productive NBA careers. There have been 30 players who have been at least 22 on the day of the draft selected over the last 15 years. Of those, roughly three have become reliable starter-level players (Buddy Hield, Cam Johnson and Kelly Olynyk). Taurean Prince has consistently … [Read more...] about

https://www.washingtonsports.today/basketball/wizzards/395149/