Daniel Gafford, born on October 1, 1998, has established himself as a prominent American professional basketball player currently contributing to the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Renowned for his versatility, Gafford adeptly maneuvers both the power forward and center positions, showcasing his dynamic skills on the court.
Quick Facts
Full Name |
Daniel Gafford |
Nickname |
The Landlord |
Birthdate |
October 1, 1998 |
Age |
25 Years Old |
Birthplace |
El Dorado, Arkansas |
Father’s Name |
Wayne Gafford |
Mother’s Name |
Teresa Frazier |
Siblings |
Four |
Nationality |
American |
Marital Status |
Married |
Wife |
DaShundra (Morgan) Gafford |
Height |
6 ft 10 inches/ 2.08m/ 208cm |
Weight |
234lbs/ 106kg |
Zodiac Sign |
Libra |
Profession |
Professional Basketball Player |
Education |
|
NBA Draft |
Chicago Bulls: 2021/ Round: 2/ Pick: 38th Overall |
Awards & Achievements |
|
Playing Career |
2019- Present |
Association |
|
Position |
Center/ Power Forward |
Jersey Number |
21 |
Average Annual Salary |
$1.5 Million |
Net Worth |
$1-3 Million |
Social Media |
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
Merch |
Trading Card |
Daniel Gafford Early Life & Family Background
Daniel Gafford, born on October 1, 1998, in El Dorado, Arkansas, emerged from a supportive and close-knit family. His parents, Wayne Gafford and Teresa Frazier played crucial roles in shaping his character and providing the foundation for his successful journey.
Wayne Gafford, a graduate of Sacramento City College, established his own business, Gafford Electronics & Photography, in Farmerville, Louisiana. This entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his craft likely inspired Daniel as he pursued his dreams in the world of professional basketball.
Teresa Frazier, Daniel’s mother, not only pursued her education at Al-Imra International University, graduating in 2019 but also identified herself as a digital creator on her Facebook profile. Her educational pursuits and creative interests undoubtedly contributed to the diverse influences in Daniel’s upbringing.
Daniel Gafford grew up with four siblings, adding richness to his early years. While the details about all of his siblings are not fully disclosed, three of them are known. His elder brother, Cornelius Watson, pursued college basketball at Southern Arkansas University, showcasing a family penchant for the sport.
Additionally, Gafford has an elder sister, Tequillia Renee Frazier, who is a mother of two residing in El Dorado, Arkansas. The familial ties and shared experiences with siblings likely shaped Daniel’s character and provided a support system throughout his formative years.
Educational Background
Gafford attended El Dorado High School, where he excelled on the basketball court and participated in other facets of student life. Gafford showcased his athletic versatility in high school by playing football as a wide receiver. This early exposure to different sports contributed to his well-rounded athleticism, later evident in his basketball career.
Upon graduating from El Dorado High School, Gafford’s talent on the basketball court attracted scholarship offers from various colleges. He ultimately chose to further his education and basketball career at the University of Arkansas. Committing to the university on August 1, 2015, Gafford embarked on a two-season journey with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
While at the University of Arkansas, Gafford demonstrated a commitment to his academic and athletic pursuits. He balanced the demands of collegiate basketball with a dedication to his studies, showcasing a disciplined approach to personal and professional growth.
High School Career
Gafford’s journey to basketball stardom began in high school, where he earned a prestigious four-star recruit status. In 2015, he received offers from notable institutions like Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Florida but ultimately chose to join the Arkansas Razorbacks on August 1, 2015. Interestingly, Gafford’s athletic prowess extends beyond the basketball court, as he also delved into football, playing as a wide receiver until his ninth grade at El Dorado High School. Furthermore, his involvement in the marching band significantly contributed to developing his overall skill set.
College Career
Upon joining the Arkansas Razorbacks, Gafford made an impactful debut, finishing a perfect 8 for eight shooting, accompanied by seven rebounds and six blocks against Minnesota. Noteworthy performances continued, such as a remarkable game against No. 14 Auburn, where he recorded 21 points, ten rebounds, and seven blocks. Following a standout freshman season with averages of 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, Gafford returned for his sophomore year, bypassing the 2018 NBA draft. His dedication to the sport earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team. The culmination of his college career saw Gafford improve his statistics, averaging 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He was recognized by being named to the 2019 SEC All-Defensive Team and earned a 1st Team All-SEC pick spot.
Professional Career
Chicago Bulls
Selected as the 38th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2019 NBA draft, Gafford embarked on his professional journey. He officially signed with the Bulls on July 8, 2019, making his NBA debut against the Toronto Raptors on October 26, 2019. Gafford’s dedication was evident, even as he briefly joined the Windy City Bulls for the NBA G League season. Unfortunately, his momentum was momentarily halted when, on January 15, 2020, he suffered a thumb injury that sidelined him for two to four weeks.
Washington Wizards
In a significant move, Gafford was traded to the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2021, in a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics. During the 2021 NBA playoffs, he made history by breaking the record for field goal percentage (minimum 15 shot attempts) with an impressive 84.6%. This accomplishment solidified his value on the court.
Recognizing Gafford’s contributions, the Washington Wizards secured his services by signing a three-year contract extension for $40.2 million on October 18, 2021. His impact continued to resonate in the 2022-2023 season, marked by a memorable moment on March 7, 2023, when he delivered a buzzer-beating, game-winning putback in a thrilling 119–117 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Gafford’s journey from high school to the professional stage exemplifies his commitment to excellence and his enduring mark on the basketball landscape.
Married Life & Wife
Off the court, Daniel Gafford found love with his college-time girlfriend, DaShundra. After six years of dating, the couple tied the knot on June 8, 2022. Their love story began at an off-campus party during Gafford’s first year at the University of Arkansas. DaShundra, making the first move, approached Gafford, eventually leading to a blissful marriage.
The couple is enjoying their marital journey, yet to welcome children. DaShundra, who has been working at The CryoBar since February 25, 2020, brings another layer of support to Gafford’s life. The NBA star proudly displays his affection with a vertical tattoo behind his right ear, bearing DaShundra’s name.
Daniel Gafford’s Car Accident
While basking in the success of his NBA career, Gafford does not forget the life-altering car accident he experienced during his last year of high school. Recounting the incident on the Off The Bench Podcast on January 7, 2023, Gafford described the harrowing details of the crash. The accident occurred after a night out with friends, and fortunately, despite the severity of the impact, there were no fatal injuries. Gafford reflects on the incident as the scariest moment of his life, emphasizing the importance of seatbelt safety.
Net Worth & Salary
Daniel Gafford’s financial success in the NBA is evident through his estimated net worth of $1-$3 million as of 2023. His earnings primarily stem from lucrative NBA contracts, including a notable four-year $6.1 million deal with the Chicago Bulls in 2019. A mid-season trade in 2021 brought him to the Washington Wizards, where he signed a three-year contract extension for $40.18 million in October 2021. This extension guaranteed an annual salary of $13.39 million, securing Gafford’s financial future in the league until 2026, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Gafford’s popularity extends beyond the court, with endorsements from Anta Sports and Rockstar Original contributing to his overall income. His active presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter also adds to his marketability.
Age, Height & Social Media
At 25 years old, standing tall at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters), and weighing 234 pounds (106 kilograms), Gafford continues to captivate fans both on and off the court. His social media popularity is evident, with 71.3k followers on Instagram and 24.5k followers on Twitter. The NBA player actively engages with fans, sharing game highlights, personal moments, and glimpses into his life.
Interesting Facts
Beyond his basketball prowess, Daniel Gafford’s childhood involved playing football as a wide receiver at El Dorado High School. His diverse interests include a love for video games from the early 2000s to the latest releases and a passion for anime.
Gafford’s unique tattoo collection includes a depiction of the hit television sitcom ‘Friends’ on his inner left wrist, showcasing his love for the show. He proudly claims to have binge-watched all ten seasons numerous times. These personal tidbits contribute to the multi-faceted personality that fans appreciate both on and off the basketball court.
Daniel Gafford Wife DaShundra Gafford: Personal Life and Career
In professional sports, the spotlight often shines brightly on the athletes, their victories, and their journeys to success. However, behind every triumphant player stands a pillar of support and love, and in the case of NBA player Daniel Gafford, that pillar is none other than his wife, DaShundra Gafford.
Relationship with NBA Daniel Gafford
DaShundra and Daniel’s love story began during their college years at the University of Arkansas, where fate played its part at an off-campus party. It was a chance encounter that would shape the course of their lives. As the story goes, Daniel, searching for a Wi-Fi signal, found himself near DaShundra and her friends, unwittingly stepping into the chapter of his life that would be defined by love and companionship.
DaShundra, captivated by Daniel’s presence, took the initiative and made the first move by providing him with her Twitter handle. Little did they know that this simple exchange would set the stage for a romance that would eventually lead them to the altar. Their connection grew, and the bond between DaShundra and Daniel deepened over six years, culminating in a joyous union on June 8, 2022.
Marriage
The Gaffords’ journey into marital bliss is a testament to the strength of their connection and the enduring love they share. Having exchanged vows in 2022, the couple embarked on a new chapter of life, promising to support each other through the highs and lows of life in the spotlight.
DaShundra’s presence in Daniel’s life extends beyond being a supportive wife; she is a source of strength, encouragement, and unwavering love. Her commitment to her husband’s dreams and ambitions is palpable, as seen in her attendance at games and active participation in celebrating Daniel’s successes.
DaShundra’s Professional Career
Beyond her role as an NBA wife, DaShundra is carving her path in the professional world. As of February 25, 2020, she has been associated with The CryoBar. The specifics of her role within the organization are not explicitly outlined, but her dedication to her career aligns with the dynamic nature of the modern power couple.
Family Values and Future Aspirations
While the Gaffords have yet to welcome children of their own, their shared journey suggests a commitment to building a family founded on love, understanding, and mutual respect. DaShundra’s supportive presence in public and private spheres hints at a harmonious partnership that bodes well for the future.
As the Giffords navigate the challenges and triumphs that come with life in the NBA spotlight, DaShundra remains a steady force by Daniel’s. Her love and encouragement undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Daniel’s achievements on and off the basketball court.