Dreaming up the Dallas Mavericks' ultimate starting 5, 5 years from now

Small forward: Naji Marshall

Either P.J. Washington or Naji Marshall would be a dream fit at the three for the Dallas Mavericks in five years, but due to Marshall likely being cheaper and more of a true three, he landed at the small forward spot.

Marshall is entering his first year with the Mavs, and he said all the right things at Media Day to make Mavs fans love his game. He emphasized that he wants to be a dominant defender, is an underrated passer, and is going to be a "dawg" on both ends of the floor. These are the types of wings that typically succeed in Dallas next to Luka Doncic, and if his three-year deal with the Mavs goes according to plan, they could look to bring him back.

The Mavs don't need a star at this position. They just need someone to knock down open threes, play good defense, and be a good compliment to Doncic and potentially Kyrie Irving. If Marshall does that, he'll turn into a fan-favorite wing that everyone loves in Dallas.

Last season, Marshall shot 38.7 percent from downtown and was a menace on defense for the New Orleans Pelicans. He also acted as an enforcer, and Mavs fans always love these types of players. Dorian Finney-Smith, DeShawn Stevenson, and Derrick Jones Jr. were all 3-and-D guys who succeeded in Dallas in limited roles, and Marshall has a great shot at following in their footsteps.

Marshall's first couple of years will be telling of how he would fit long term, but he has all the intangibles to be a dream 3-and-D wing in Dallas for years to come.