On the first day of free agency, a move that appeared almost certain for the Dallas Mavericks suddenly seemed much less probable.
Re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. was the Mavs’ main focus as the offseason began. However, at the start of free agency, Jones Jr. made a move that altered the situation: he switched agents, complicating matters for the Mavericks.
Re-signing Jones Jr. turned out to be more challenging than anticipated, prompting the Mavs to pursue an alternative that has garnered praise across the NBA.
The Mavericks opted to sign Naji Marshall to a three-year contract, which Brian Martin of NBA.com highlighted as one of the “best under-the-radar moves” of the offseason.
Martin explored how Marshall resembles Jones Jr. in playing style and noted that Marshall achieved a career-high 38.7 percent from three-point range last season while also being an excellent defender.
The signing of Marshall by Dallas hasn’t received enough attention, yet he is expected to be a valuable addition for the Mavs next season. Last year with the New Orleans Pelicans, Marshall averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.7 steals per game, shooting 46.3 percent from the field.
Marshall, a strong defender, will be a great fit for Dallas. At 6-foot-7, with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and weighing 220 pounds, he has the build to challenge larger forwards and the agility to keep up with quicker guards.
Marshall is a more effective defender at the point of attack than many give him credit for, and he, along with Quentin Grimes, is likely to be tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top player due to their defensive skills.
Although the media isn’t widely highlighting the Mavs’ signing of Marshall, he will have the chance to prove them wrong. His 3-and-D capabilities and fearless approach will be a great asset for Mavs fans, making him one of the league’s most underrated players.
Playing alongside Luka Dončić, Marshall is expected to get many open shots from beyond the arc, and he could well have found a new home in Dallas if things go as planned.
For all the latest on Naji Marshall and the Dallas Mavericks all offseason long, stay tuned.
