Mavericks' unusual bench could force Naji Marshall into a bigger offensive role

Over the past several seasons, the Dallas Mavericks have utilized higher-usage gunners, or spark-plug scorers, to lift otherwise unremarkable bench units, leading to above-average results as they've ranked 12th or better in bench points over the last five years. However, this season, it's looking different. Dallas isn't shaping up to have that reserve microwave scorer, which, as a byproduct, will place added pressure on the Mavericks' most-marquee reserve: Naji Marshall.

Mavericks' bench is missing its usual scoring punch

Speaking of those previously impressive bench units, Dallas boasted the likes of Christian Wood, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jaden Hardy, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Brandon Williams. Although not all were created equal, each of the aforementioned players could put up a myriad of buckets in a matter of minutes. From Hardaway Jr.'s long-distance flame-throwing to Williams' one-man fast breaks, Dallas could rely on these role players for easy buckets while Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, or Cooper Flagg took a breather.

Now, Dallas' bench unit will be comprised of Marcus Sasser, who's never averaged more than 7.2 field goals per game nor bested a 20.0 percent usage rate; Zaccharie Risacher, who's operated more as a supportive piece through two seasons; and a few bigs in Santi Aldama, Daniel Gafford (or potentially Dereck Lively II), and rookie Morez Johnson Jr., who are neither natural initiators.

Naji Marshall's skill set makes him an obvious fit

Consequently, that leaves Marshall. Of course, he seems primed to excel in this higher-usage bench role as a difference-maker. Yet, interestingly enough, Marshall's career-high usage rate came as a second-year pro in New Orleans, where he boasted only a 20.8 percent usage rate, which is on par with the league average. But again… that's Marshall's career-high. In his two seasons in Dallas, he's been at 20.0 and 20.5, while averaging just 10.7 field goal attempts per game in 28.7 minutes.

Watching Marshall's game feels tailor-made for this role, as he's filled the role of a jumbo-sized playmaker over the last few seasons in Dallas. He can initiate, get to the paint, and score in the mid-range, all of which set him up nicely for this type of spark-plug scorer role.

Nonetheless, that's not who Marshall has been. He's been more of a table-setter and opportunistic scorer throughout his career, not necessarily someone who's going to shift the dynamic of the game in mere minutes. But that's just who he might have to be for the Mavericks.

Looking at the Mavericks' roster, they desperately need a player who can initiate but also put the ball in the hoop whenever Flagg and Irving rest. Dallas is long, rangy, and athletic, yes, but it really lacks on-ball scorers, and Marshall will undoubtedly have to step up into that role. He has to.

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