Mavericks Camp Update: Aldama’s Knee Recovery, May’s Plans for Gafford and Johnson

Santi Aldama is being eased into Dallas training camp while he recovers from a March arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, and the team is monitoring his daily participation. New coach Dusty May said Aldama could serve as a floor-spacing center in certain lineups and also praised Daniel Gafford’s finishing and potential playmaking. May added that he was surprised Dallas used a lottery pick on Morez Johnson Jr., whom he coached at Michigan.

Dallas obtained Santi Aldama via a July deal with Memphis. He missed last month’s World Cup qualifiers and has worked only partially in camp. Team medical personnel decide his daily level of involvement; Dusty May said he is not entirely absent. May views him as a possible floor-spacing big in certain groups.

Daniel Gafford has faced trade rumors, yet May said staff analysis found top-tier close-range scoring. The staff wants added perimeter decision-making, link play on offense, occasional three-point looks, basket protection and better switches. May did not expect Dallas to select Morez Johnson Jr., his former Michigan player; Johnson and Aday Mara share representation. Max Christie commended May’s instruction.