NBA analyst boldly suggests Mavericks bench Klay Thompson for new wing

The Dallas Mavericks' first preseason game is less than two weeks away, and chatter is starting to build up about this team and what they're capable of in the stacked Western Conference.

This chatter increased over the weekend as Klay Thompson spoke to the media for the first time since his introductory press conference, and he already seems like he is going to be a great fit in Dallas.

Thompson's leadership and superb shooting are going to help the Mavs be monsters in the West once again, but one NBA analyst is already saying that Thompson should come off the bench and not be the starting small forward next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Bontemps suggests Mavericks start Marshall over Thompson

ESPN's Tim Bontemps believes that Thompson should be the "full-time sixth man" in Dallas and they should start Naji Marshall in his place. Bontemps' reasoning behind this was Thompson's defense next to Irving and Doncic not being good enough, and he doesn't like Thompson's fit in the starting five.

There has been talk among fans for months regarding whether Thompson should start or not, and all signs are pointing to him being the starting wing to start the season at least. His fit next to Doncic is going to be outstanding, and he is too deadly of a shooter to come off the bench to start the year.

This isn't to say that Thompson will be the starting wing all season long, but it doesn't make much sense to have him coming off the bench right away. Thompson being promised a starting spot was likely a reason that he chose Dallas over the Los Angeles Lakers, and it would be a poor decision to not at least try to have Thompson start some games.

To Bontemps' point though, if Thompson's defense does hold that unit back, Marshall would be a great alternative. Marshall is going to be one of the best defenders on the team next season, and he is the exact type of player who typically thrives next to Doncic.

Doncic gets the most out of dirty work wings, and that is Marshall's calling card. He embodies taking the toughest defensive assignment, hustling, and sticking up for his teammates. His ability to guard multiple positions is going to help the Mavs tremendously, and he has become one of the most underrated players in the league over the last year or so.

Regardless of who the Mavs start at the three, they are in a great spot. Thompson will provide incredible shooting and scoring whether he is starting or not, and Marshall looks like he'll be a key X-factor going into the season.

Both players bring traits that the Mavs desperately needed, and this roster is the most stacked it has ever been in the Luka era. Dallas is in a great spot to compete to win a title, and both Marshall and Thompson would be big reasons for that.