Dončić, Gafford, and Marshall Spread Joy at Jr. NBA Clinic in West Dallas Ahead of Mavericks' Season Opener
Luka Dončić, Daniel Gafford, and Naji Marshall brought smiles to kids at a Jr. NBA clinic in West Dallas, sharing their love for basketball ahead of the Mavericks’ season opener.
DALLAS — After Friday’s Dallas Mavericks practice, Luka Dončić, Daniel Gafford, and Naji Marshall participate in a Jr. NBA clinic in West Dallas. It was an opportunity for kids in the local community to interact with players they look up to while learning about the game of basketball.
“I remember when I was a kid, I didn’t have anything like that,” Dončić said. “But I know for the kids, it’s a lot of fun. So I’m excited for them.”
There were plenty of kids wearing Dončić jerseys, eager to meet their favorite player. Dončić understands the joy making appearances like this can bring. ”Very fun. I see kids having my jerseys—one of the biggest pleasures in life,” Dončić said. “It’s fun and it’s a great feeling seeing all the kids with my jersey.”
Gafford and Dončić spent plenty of time in the same drill station near the basket while kids shot the basketball—resulting in plenty of blocked shots.
“I always have fun with the kids,” Gafford said. “As soon as I hear or see them – high energy, big smiles, they’re shooting a bunch of basketballs – and I was blocking a couple of shots. We’re just giving them a hard time and making sure everybody have a good time, too, at the same time.”
Marshall, who is new to the Dallas community after signing with the Mavericks in free agency, emphasized how important it is to give back to the local community.
“We had clinics and stuff, but Luka wasn’t showing up,” Marshall said. “A lot of people see us on the court, but we have personalities, too, and we love the community. We love giving back and to make people happy. We have a certain type of influence.”
The Mavericks will open the regular season on Oct. 24 against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center.
Photos from the event
Video from the event
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