BOSTON — Kristaps Porziņģis and Daniel Gafford have come a long way from their days with the Washington Wizards. Now, both players find themselves in the NBA Finals, vying for their first championship rings.
Their time with the Wizards was far from glorious. Just a year ago, Kristaps Porziņģis and Daniel Gafford were the starting and backup centers for a 35-47 Wizards team that was going nowhere. They battled each other in practice at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights, both hoping for a brighter future.
Kristaps Porziņģis: New Beginnings
Last summer, their careers took a significant turn. A three-team trade sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Boston Celtics, while Daniel Gafford was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Now, they stand on the brink of NBA glory.
“Gaff is dangerous because he’s so eff’in explosive,” Kristaps Porziņģis said to The Athletic. “If you’re late, you’re in trouble. And that’s the thing with him. He can get up like few guys can in the league. And guarding that is dangerous.”
Both players have made substantial contributions to their new teams. Porziņģis, back from a calf injury, is set to return for Game 1 against Dallas. Meanwhile, Gafford has become a crucial part of the Mavericks’ defense, helping them reach the Finals.
Ex-Wizards’ Impact on the NBA Finals
Kristaps Porziņģis and Daniel Gafford are part of a growing tradition of former Wizards players finding success on basketball’s biggest stage. Last year, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jeff Green, and Ish Smith won the title with the Nuggets. In previous years, other former Wizards like Otto Porter and Bobby Portis have also secured championships.
Porziņģis and Gafford’s journeys highlight how a change of scenery can rejuvenate a player’s career. Both arrived in Washington with potential but struggled to realize it fully. Their time with the Wizards allowed them to refine their skills and address their weaknesses.
Personal Growth and Development
“I mean, going into a season, you always think we have enough talent to make the playoffs,” Kristaps Porziņģis said of his time in Washington. “So, that was the goal. It wasn’t, realistically thinking, of course, that we were a championship-caliber team. But making the playoffs, maybe making a push, it gives you motivation, you know? I think that was the mindset there.”
Daniel Gafford echoed similar sentiments about his time with the Wizards. He acknowledged that leaving the team was difficult due to the relationships he had built but recognized that the move to Dallas was ultimately better for his career.
“It’s more like, with me, in all honestly, I felt, just, it was a lot of weight that was just lifted off of me,” Gafford told The Athletic. “Because I felt it was a situation that was going to be better for me, of course. But I hated to leave a team where I’d built a lot of relationships with. It was a good atmosphere, always, when I was in D.C. … one door closed and another door opened for me.”
Thriving in New Environments
In Dallas, Daniel Gafford has become a key defensive presence. Playing alongside stars like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving has allowed him to focus on his strengths, such as shot-blocking and catching lobs. This has been crucial for the Mavericks, especially during their playoff run.
Similarly, Kristaps Porziņģis has found a new role in Boston. As a third option behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, he has thrived without the pressure of being the primary star. His ability to hit open shots and protect the rim has made him a valuable asset for the Celtics.
Porziņģis credited his time in Washington for helping him develop a more mature approach to his game. He leaned into advanced statistics and feedback from his coaches, which helped him become more efficient.
“I think I started to build my way back up, my post game and my elbows, and free-throw postups, that summer,” he said. “Once I got (back) to Washington, I started to look at my numbers realistically — like what am I good at, what am I not good at. And then, building up throughout the summer, and really increasing my efficiency.”
The Final Showdown
As the NBA Finals unfold, fans can expect to see intense matchups between Kristaps Porziņģis and Daniel Gafford. Their time as teammates has given them insights into each other’s games, which will make their battles on the court even more intriguing.
“For sure, you can be aggressive (against Porziņģis),” Gafford said. “Just don’t be too aggressive when he does his little sweeper move. That’s his thing. I used to hate that in practice. Every time I touched him, it was a foul.”
In the end, either Kristaps Porziņģis or Gafford will add a championship ring to their resume, continuing the tradition of former Wizards finding success after leaving Washington. Their journeys are a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of finding the right fit within a team.
As the basketball world watches, Porziņģis and Gafford are ready to seize their moment and etch their names in NBA history.
