Mavericks' new role for Naji Marshall raises a legitimate concern

Through three preseason games, the Dallas Mavericks have made it clear who their backup point guard is behind Kyrie Irving: Naji Marshall. This was one of the biggest questions before the preseason began, as many Mavericks fans have been worried about what the team's backcourt depth would look like behind the nine-time All-Star.

While Sergio De Larrea has gotten some reps as the primary creator and has shone as a playmaker and shooter, Marshall looks like he'll run the second unit while Irving is on the bench to begin the season.

This raises questions about whether Naji is ready for this role in his third season with the team. He led the Mavs' offense at times last season, but the team only won 26 games. Point guard play off the bench is extremely important, and Marshall has a big test ahead of him if he remains in this position.

Naji Marshall isn't your usual point guard

Marshall has some strong guard skills, including slashing, ball handling, and transition playmaking, but he's not your typical point guard. Naji is 6-foot-6. He does most of his damage in the paint, shot less than 30 percent from three in each of the last two seasons, and has never averaged more than 3.3 assists per game.

Marshall played a bit of a point-forward role last season, and it led to him averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game while shooting 51 percent from the field. He had a significantly expanded role while Irving was sidelined with an ACL tear, but playing such a big role and being a primary creator once again may not be the best for him or the team.

Marshall's defense can't be fully maximized as a point guard

Marshall's defense has taken a step back over the last two seasons in Dallas, as he has posted a defensive rating above 114 in both seasons. For reference of how dramatic the decline was, he registered a 106.8 defensive rating in his final season with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023-24.

This can partially be attributed to him having to exert so much energy on offense and the Mavs not playing well as a team in the last two seasons, but his defense could struggle again if Dusty May makes him the first point guard off the bench. Marshall is at his best when he's a complementary high-energy player alongside a star, and making him a point guard may not yield the results Dallas wants.

He has the tools to be a great defender when he's fully locked in, as he plays with physicality, energy, and pride, but having to be the team's No. 1 creator on offense could restrict him from putting forth full effort on defense.

Marshall still has some work to do as a point guard

On top of the obvious defensive concerns that come with handling such a big load on offense, he hasn't proven that he can create advantages out of the pick-and-roll and make reads at the second and third levels. Marshall is an underrated passer and periodically makes a highlight play while running the fast break by throwing a lob to a player cutting to the rim, but playmaking and getting his teammates involved aren't his bread and butter.

He isn't going to pick the defense apart like someone like De Larrea, and he has limited experience running an offense. The Mavericks need someone who can get the ball to their play finishers.

How Marshall fits with Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg

When Kyrie and Cooper Flagg are both healthy, one of them will almost always be on the court, but this raises the question of where Marshall fits in these situations. He can play next to Irving, as Irving's three-level scoring opens up the floor for everyone, but Naji will have to prove that he can flourish next to Flagg if he wants to keep this role as the backup point guard.

Dallas posted a -7.6 net rating when Marshall and Flagg were sharing the floor last season, and this was a slight dip from the -5.2 net rating they the Mavericks had as a team for the entire season. The Mavs' lack of spacing could've contributed to this, as injuries were piling up seemingly for the entire season, but some of Coop and Naji's overlapping skills could pose a problem when they're sharing the floor without Irving.

Additionally, Marshall is at his best when the ball is in his hands, and the same can be said about Flagg. Many of Marshall's floaters are self-created, but he's not going to be able to handle the ball as much when sharing the court with Flagg.

Marshall wants to improve as a 3-point shooter, and a reliable long-range shot would be revolutionary for his drive-first offensive attack, but he hasn't been reliable from long range. He needs to take a step in the right direction here if he wants to solidify himself as a strong option in the backcourt, and his role will be something to monitor as the season goes on.

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