Orlando defeated Chicago 85-73 Saturday night in the consolation round of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. El Dorado’s Daniel Gafford, a second-round draft pick out of Arkansas, led the Bulls with 14 points, three rebounds and three blocks before fouling out in 20 minutes.
Gafford, who was 7-of-8 from the field, drew praise from former NBA player Caron Butler, who was providing color commentary for NBA TV.
“I love his motor and the energy he brings to the game,” Butler said before the game. “The reason why they elected to invest in him at this early point in his career is because they see the upside, tremendous upside. His versatility on the defensive end of the floor. His energy and motor on the offensive end of the floor.”
Two of Gafford’s blocked shots were at the rim. The 6-11 rookie also showed nimbleness around the basket offensively, including a clever up-and-under reverse layup in the second half.
“I love his upside. I’m pretty sure the Bulls do, too,” Butler said. “I love the fact that he doesn’t need the ball to score. He finds ways to be efficient – offensive rebounding, the put backs, living in the paint – high percentage offense. That’s what you get out of him. He’s someone that can play the game at a high level, brings the intangibles and is a huge asset to whatever team he’s playing for.”
The Bulls went 2-3 in the Summer League.
Gafford averaged 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots while shooting 68 percent from the field. He led the Bulls in rebounding, blocks and field goal percentage.