Dallas Basketball Coach’s Corner: Scouting Naji Marshall - Potential Wing Upgrade?
The Dallas Mavericks have made a potentially beneficial move by signing wing Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million contract. This acquisition not only brings a young and versatile player into the fold but also provides a potential upgrade over Derrick Jones Jr., who recently signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Here’s a detailed look at how Naji Marshall fits into the Mavericks’ roster and what he brings to the table.
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In the 2023-2024 NBA season, Naji Marshall showcased his ability to be an efficient and reliable role player for the New Orleans Pelicans. Averaging 7.1 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, and 1.9 assists per game in 19 minutes per game, he proved his versatility on both ends of the court.
His shooting splits were also impressive, as the former Xavier Musketeer shot 46.3 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range. These impressive averages all contribute to a true shooting percentage of 57.6 percent, which speaks to his efficiency. Additionally, he demonstrated solid defensive capabilities with 0.7 steals per game and 0.2 blocks per game.
Naji Marshall’s role with the Mavericks will likely draw comparisons to that of Derrick Jones Jr., who was a key player for Dallas last season. Jones Jr. averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, while Marshall, playing about five minutes less per game, posted comparable stats. Although Jones Jr. had a slightly better field goal percentage at 48.3 percent, Marshall excelled in three-point shooting, hitting 38.7 percent compared to Jones Jr.'s 34.3 percent.
Additionally, Marshall proved more reliable from the free-throw line, shooting 79.1 percent versus Jones Jr.'s 71.3 percent, making him a more dependable option in critical moments. Defensively, both players averaged 0.7 steals per game, but Jones Jr. had a slight edge in blocks, averaging 0.7 per game compared to Marshall.
Given these statistics, Marshall's efficiency and shooting prowess, especially from beyond the arc, offer the Mavericks a valuable asset. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting is particularly crucial in a league increasingly dominated by perimeter play.
The Mavericks’ decision to bring in Marshall likely stems from their need for a versatile wing who can contribute on both ends of the court. With Marshall’s signing, Dallas gains a player who can fill multiple roles, from providing perimeter defense to adding scoring depth off the bench. His skill set aligns well with the Mavericks' style of play, which emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and shooting.
Coach Jason Kidd is expected to utilize Marshall in a similar capacity to how the Pelicans deployed him, though with potential for an expanded role given his development trajectory. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving shouldering much of the offensive load, Marshall’s ability to hit open shots and move without the ball will be crucial. Additionally, his defensive versatility will be an asset in a team that often struggles on that end of the floor.
Financially, Marshall’s contract is a prudent investment for the Mavericks. At $9 million annually, he provides a cost-effective solution compared to the $10 million per year deal that Jones Jr. secured with the Clippers. This savings allows Dallas to allocate resources to other areas while still maintaining a competitive roster.
The Mavericks’ acquisition of Marshall represents a solid move with potential for significant upside. Given his statistical profile and the fit within Dallas’ system, this signing could potentially make a huge difference for the Mavs moving forward. Marshall’s ability to contribute immediately, coupled with his potential for further growth, positions him as a valuable addition to the Mavericks as they aim to build a team capable of winning the NBA Championship.
Naji Marshall’s signing is a calculated and promising move by GM Nico Harrison. His blend of shooting, defense, and versatility makes him a perfect fit for the team’s needs. As he integrates into the Mavericks’ lineup, fans can look forward to a player who will contribute efficiently and provide valuable depth to the roster. With Marshall in the fold, the Mavericks have taken a significant step towards fortifying their squad for another deep playoff run.
