clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Daniel Gafford is working on improving his offensive versatility this offseason

The Washington Wizards center’s impact was immediately felt on the defensive end. He wants to do more on offense as well with a wider variety of plays.

By Albert Lee
2021 NBA Playoffs - Philadelphia 76ers v Washington Wizards
Daniel Gafford wants to be a more well-rounded offensive player next season.
Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford has been a fan favorite soon after he was a midseason acquisition at the trade deadline last season. His impact was most clearly felt on defense where the Wizards’ defense significantly improved in the final weeks of the regular season. And he was a super-efficient finisher above the rim. Now, Gafford wants to be a better all-around player, especially on offense next season.

According to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington, Gafford has been spending time in D.C. specifically working on his offense with assistant coach Alex McLean. This specifically includes working his face-up game and shooting. While those dunks from lob passes make nice highlights, Gafford wasn’t much of a threat on offense to do anything else. That’s something Thomas Bryant in particular is better able to do, though he is far from a defensive stopper.

Gafford was certainly one of the Wizards’ most impactful additions last season. If he develops a more consistent mid-range game, it could make a significant impact on how the center rotation will look between him, Bryant and Montrezl Harrell this fall.