Dallas Mavericks fans are clearly on board with the new deal for Naji Marshall. According to a recent poll, almost three of four voters support the $52 million, three-year extension for the 28-year-old forward. Only 15% dislike the move while 11% remain unsure how they feel. The support is loud and clear from the fanbase, but the writer at Mavs Moneyball sees things differently.
The Numbers Tell a Tough Story
Marshall was brought in to fill the role Derrick Jones Jr. left after the 2024 Finals run. Following a standout shooting season with the Pelicans, he came with great expectations. The plan was simple: use his defense and shooting to fix a gap Dallas had in the playoffs. That plan hit a wall when General Manager Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic just months later. We only saw Luka and Naji play together for 17 games before the trade. For the remainder of that campaign and the entirety of the previous one, Naji merely filled roster gaps.
He did score at a career high level of 15 points per game. Although he missed virtually every three-pointer, he ranked among the league’s elite from tough spots within the two-point zone. The contract extension does not kick in until the 2027-28 season. The writer admits confusion over the logic used to lock him in. As noted by Mavs Moneyball, the only real reason seems to be that “well, Cooper Flagg likes him”.
Why This Deal Feels Wrong
That is a fine reason for a draft pick, but it is not a reason to lock in a veteran extension. Marshall has not been particularly adept at anything that suggests he should get this deal. He is not a good shooter and likely will not be at this point. He has not been a good defender either. Dallas has struggled with team defense since before he joined the squad, so he has not had a great system to lean on.
The real worry is what he actually brings to the table that the team needs. The front office might need ball handling, but nobody wants him playing back-up point guard. That seems to be exactly what Dallas might do with him. It is a confusing move that leaves the writer mixed on the entire offseason strategy. He is the first move of the offseason that does not feel good.
