6 Unexpected X-factors for the Dallas Mavericks' 2024-25 season

2. Naji Marshall

When playing with the New Orleans Pelicans, Naji Marshall was becoming an underappreciated player. Marshall was an underrated piece in helping the Pelicans make the playoffs in 2023 and 2024. Now, Marshall has his chance to reach his full potential in Dallas.

When Marshall signed his three-year $30 million deal with the Mavs, it was obvious the Mavs trusted him to be a key piece for the contract length. If Dallas didn't see potential in Marshall, they wouldn't have given him a three-year contract.

Marshall did average 7.1 points per game last season with the Pelicans, but his field goal and 3-point percentages increased. And Marshall is a lockdown defender which the Mavs need. Marshall's game was getting recognized on a team like New Orleans, and he was dubbed the "most underrated forward" in the NBA.

Having that recognition can give Marshall more motivation to help Dallas win games. With being a small forward, Marshall could find himself being the first forward off the bench when Luka Doncic or Klay Thompson need rest. And with Derrick Jones Jr. also gone, it allows Marshall to fill in a crucial spot the Mavs needed to fill.

Marshall's 3-point shooting and his lockdown defense was something the Mavs needed in the 2024 Finals, and they now have the ability to get it now. With Marshall being 26 years old, he is hitting his prime in Dallas and could be a perfect X-factor next season.