The Dallas Mavericks appear ready to sell at the NBA trade deadline; however, if Dallas is prepared to trade, one player they can’t move is Naji Marshall. Dallas made it known that everyone, excluding Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, is on the trading block. The team should add Marshall to the list, though, as his recent production warrants him staying.
Marshall is currently having one of the best seasons of his career. He is averaging a career high in points per game at 14.1. Not to mention, he is elevating the Mavs’ offense in different ways, especially in the paint.
His unguardable floater has made him one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA inside the paint. Marshall has proven he isn’t afraid to attack the bucket, as he is consistently one of the top Mavs’ scorers down low. He can either get to the paint with ease by pulling up for a short jumper, or attack defenders head-on and finish right at the rim.
Marshall’s recent success should eliminate any trade Dallas is considering
So, it’s clear why teams could be interested in his services. Recently, league sources indicated that Marshall was gaining trade interest from rival teams. His recent success with the Mavs demonstrates how valuable he would be on a playoff contender. This is another reason why Dallas can’t afford to lose him.
As mentioned, Marshall can elevate any team with his variety of skills. He has proven he can score in a variety of ways, as his production has drastically risen. His deadly floater, improved 3-point shot, and relentless paint scoring have all elevated his game.
This month, Marshall is averaging an outstanding 16.6 points per game, as he has been on a tear forn the past four games.
It all started on January 12 when the Mavs beat the Brooklyn Nets. Marshall finished with a near double-double, as he had 22 points and nine assists. Soon after, he would score 24 points in the next game and 22 points in the game after. It was clear his offensive production quickly elevated.
Although his scoring isn’t the only improvement, Marshall has also quickly improved his passing ability. This is an area that hasn’t gone unnoticed. He illustrates how his high IQ is on offense, as he does a great job of spreading the ball around. Recently, he has shown great vision for his teammates, especially in transition. His surge in assists per game is something that has also stood out this month.
Basically, Marshall is an all-around player who can do it all. His offensive game has quickly elevated and made him a top role player in the league. Plus, who can forget he is a hard-nosed defender unafraid to make things difficult for opposing scorers.
This is something that coach Jason Kidd has taken note of. He understands Marshall’s impact on the court. He realizes his influence on the team’s starting lineup, as he has started in 19 of the last 23 games. In simple terms, Marshall’s surge is something that can’t be ignored.
So, the Mavericks’ organization should take a serious look at Marshall’s ascension. He is someone valuable to the team’s future success. Marshall is an elite player who should be added to the no-trade list.
As mentioned, his recent surge in production proves Dallas can’t move on from one of their top players. He has become a fan-favorite over the last two seasons, and he’ll be crucial in their push for the playoffs next season.