It took Naji Marshall 7 games to finally produce in this key area for the Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks upgraded their roster this offseason after reaching the NBA Finals. Luka Doncic figures to be in the running for MVP, and Kyrie Irving is an all-time great. The dynamic duo was not enough, and Dallas did not hesitate to add. They traded for Klay Thompson and signed Naji Marshall on a bargain deal. Dallas believed those two key pieces would improve their championship odds.

The Mavs remain one of the top teams in the NBA, but it has not been smooth sailing for Marshall. He was signed to replace Derrick Jones Jr., and fans were excited after he shot 38.7 percent from 3-point range last season in New Orleans. Marshall’s defense remains his calling card, but Dallas needs him to sink open looks.

Marshall finally hit his first 3-pointer on Nov. 4 against the Indiana Pacers. He missed his first nine attempts over six contests before finally cashing in during the seventh game of the season.

Naji Marshall finally hits first 3-pointer as a member of the Mavericks

The 6’7 wing averaged just 3.3 points per game over his first six contests with Dallas, which would be a career-low. He did produce 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steal in 18.5 minutes per game, but was shooting just 30.8 percent from the field. Marshall is struggling to find his place and had a neutral value over replacement player (VORP) after six games.

Hopefully, his first 3-pointer opens the floodgates. Marshall got five wide-open long range attempts in the first six games, but missed them all. He made 40.7 percent of those tries last season.

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks will create a ton of open triples. The shots are even easier to come by with Klay on the floor. Nobody is leaving one of the greatest shooters in NBA history open.

It was a breakthrough night for Marshall. He had the sixth 20-point game in his five-year NBA career as he finished with 20 points, five rebounds, six assists, and one steal in a season-high 34 minutes. Marshall made a second 3-pointer as Dallas found success going small, despite losing to the Pacers on the second night of a back-to-back set.

The Mavericks have outscored the opposition by 29 points in Marshall’s first 145 minutes with the franchise. He is playing stout defense and helping his team win. Things will be even better when the jumpers start falling. There will be plenty of open looks, and it is on Marshall to cash in, especially if he wants to stick in the playoff rotation.

Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks are still figuring things out. They know this is a marathon and not a sprint. Naji Marshall’s minutes and production will likely tick up as the season wears on, but it hinges on him making shots. He finally nailed his first 3-pointer. Hopefully, there are many more to come.