Mavericks 'disrespected hidden gem' is in prime position to shatter all expectations

Heading into next season, the Dallas Mavericks will be one of the most intriguing teams in the entire NBA as they not only won the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes but also have the opportunity to shock many fans and be better than expected. It's not very often that a team is built for the future while also in win-now mode, but the Mavericks are easily set up to be one of the most-watched teams next year.

Not only does Flagg make the Mavericks an instant must-watch, but alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, when he fully returns from his ACL injury, will make Dallas must-see TV. While Flagg will be at the forefront of attention, the Mavericks also have multiple pieces that will make next season a fun year to be a Mavericks fan.

Naji Marshall was a name that many fans didn't expect to be a breakout candidate in Dallas' rotation, but he quickly shattered expectations when he became one of the Mavericks' most important players throughout an injury-riddled season. Marshall not only played a huge role in keeping the Mavericks afloat, but he has recently been labeled Dallas' most "disrespected hidden gem."

Marshall is in prime position to prove doubters wrong this coming season

In a recent article from Bleacher Report, Dan Favale listed every team's most disrespected hidden gem, and to no one's surprise, Marshall was labeled as the Mavericks' hidden gem. While this may not be a surprise to many fans, Marshall is in a prime position to build on a career year last season and become a part of Dallas' long-term future.

"What he lacks in dependable outside range, he makes up for with driving acuity," Favale wrote. "He can bully his way to the rim, but that's not his default. He dusted off a nifty floor game during his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, displaying patience coming around screens, some hesitation handles, and a few footwork counters, all without sacrificing efficiency."

There's no doubt that Marshall has become essential if the Mavericks want to exceed expectations in the regular season as well as the playoffs, but last year, Marshall displayed just how versatile he was. Marshall was not only one of the league leaders in made layup field goal percentage, but he was also one of the Mavericks' only offensive initiators after Irving went down with his season-ending injury.

Favale goes on to mention that Marshall has yet another peak to reach if he can become a volume shooter and someone willing to take more threes. The Mavericks are not only in desperate need of a player who can take a high volume of three-point shots, but it's highly likely the Mavericks will be asking Marshall to take more threes this coming season.

Assuming Marshall can become a consistent knockdown shooter, this will not only expand his game and make him more versatile, but he may reach a point where defenses will need to scheme around him, which is the mold of player the Mavs are missing.

Marshall not only needs to add consistent shooting to his game to reach the next level of role player stardom, but he will also be guaranteed an important role off the bench. There's also a high likelihood that Marshall could become a reliable starter if Klay Thompson gets off to a slow start offensively or if the Mavericks are in desperate need of a point of attack defender in the starting lineup.

Marshall not only showcased just how reliable he can be with the ball in his hands last season, but he also proved to be one of the Mavericks' best defenders around the perimeter and at the point of attack. The Mavs have no lack of interior presence with Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, but they still lack a player who can confidently defend the ball, and Marshall may be the only name available.