Mavericks' new wing silences offensive concerns with defensive dominance

When the Dallas Mavericks began free agency this summer, they needed to add a tough player with grit on the defensive end. To add much-needed defense, the team signed ex-New Orleans Pelican Naji Marshall.

Over his career, Marshall has been an up-and-down 3-point shooter, but he was coming off the best 3-point shooting season of his career as he shot 38.7 percent from behind the arc. While Marshall has been an up-and-coming forward working on developing his offense, Marshall has always been known for his defense. Marshall's game in New Orleans didn't go unnoticed with how underrated he was and helping the Pelicans make the playoffs two times and a Play-In Game.

While Marshall hasn't started one game into his first season as a Maverick over the first four games, Marshall's offense has been mostly non-existent. However, Marshall has made up for it on the other side of the ball in a huge way.

Marshall's defense has been outstanding despite offensive struggles

Marshall had a rough Maverick debut after scoring just two points on 1-6 shooting from the field. However, Marshall has made up for his poor Maverick debut over the past three games in which the Mavericks have won two of three games and have a 3-1 record.

Marshall has recorded four steals in the past three games and even recorded two steals in the Mavericks' most recent game on Tuesday night in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of which was a game-sealing steal on Anthony Edwards. Marshall didn't back down from the challenge at all, and he continues to prove his value on that end.

Marshall's defense is already carrying over from the Pelicans, and he is becoming one of the best defensive stoppers on the team. In New Orleans, Marshall had a defensive rating of 114 or lower in all four years he played. With the Mavericks, Marshall's defense is still elite with a defensive rating of 109.9 so far this season.

Marshall has been a stellar addition for the Mavericks on defense, but his offense desperately needs to get going to make him more of a two-way player and become a threat. His passing has been good thus far, and he should be able to get his scoring going as time goes along.

Outside of averaging three points per game, Marshall hasn't had the consistency from three that he had in New Orleans. Marshall recorded a 31.3 percent 3-point percentage in his career with the Pelicans, but last season recorded the best percentage of his career with 38.7 percent as mentioned earlier. This season with the Mavericks, Marshall has missed all six of his 3-pointers. Overall, Marshall has a 22 percent field goal percentage and it needs to improve.

Marshall has gotten away with his offensive struggles due to his outstanding defense, and the Mavericks fans are glad to have him as he is an unexpected X-factor this season. If Marshall gets his offense going, the Mavericks will be in a better position on both sides of the ball.