4 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' narrow preseason loss to Grizzlies

The Dallas Mavericks opened up the preseason on Monday night as they battled the Memphis Grizzlies at home.

Mavs fans couldn't wait for basketball to return to the American Airlines Center after over a 100-day hiatus, and the Mavs had plenty of new players take the floor for the first time in a Mavs jersey.

While Klay Thompson's debut will have to wait until later in the preseason, Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and Spencer Dinwiddie all played on Monday night. Fans were thrilled to see the Mavs take the floor once again, and there is tons of excitement surrounding the team heading into the regular season.

4 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' narrow preseason loss to Grizzlies

Dallas ended up losing this game 121-116, but there was plenty to be excited about if you're a Mavs fan.

Four of Dallas' five likely starters didn't play in this game, and they still kept it close until the end.

6. Stud - Naji Marshall

Dallas' first move of free agency was signing Marshall to a three-year deal, and this move already looks golden after just one preseason game.

Marshall started the game strong, as he had five points in the first three minutes of the game, and he displayed some of his biggest skills that Mavs fans were fired up about early on. Marshall's first shot as a Maverick was a made three from the top of the key, and his next shot was an and-one layup off of his own dribble drive.

Marshall's ability to handle the ball in space is something that stood out at Fan Jam, and his comfortability in that area continued into Monday night. He looks confident in his handle, and his confidence to shoot shots off the dribble and create for himself is something that could benefit the Mavs in certain situations.

Marshall's feel for the game was also on full display, and he is a selfless passer in most situations. Sometimes he got caught trying to do too much off the dribble, but his vision and passing are definitely there. Kyrie Irving compared Marshall's playstyle to someone from the East Coast during Fan Jam, and Marshall's guard skills were clear through watching him on Monday night.

He may not get to run tons of point forward once it gets to the regular season, but he showed that he can take that role on when needed. This will help the Mavs push the pace when he grabs long rebounds, and he showed he is more than a 3-and-D wing quickly.

He finished with nine points and six rebounds on 4-11 shooting, and showed flashes of what he can be moving forward.