Mavericks’ New Forward Avoids Repeat of Last Season’s Major Mistake.
Last offseason, the Dallas Mavericks made a splash early in free agency that thrilled fans.
They executed a three-team sign-and-trade for Grant Williams, who was expected to have an immediate impact on the team. Williams started alongside Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Jones Jr., and Dereck Lively II. Although he began the season strong, his performance quickly declined.
In October and November, Williams shot 43 percent from three-point range while averaging 9.8 points per game. However, his scoring dropped to an average of 7.2 points per game with just 33 percent shooting from beyond the arc after that.
The Mavericks eventually traded Williams at the deadline in a deal for P.J. Washington. While there were some highlights during Williams’ time in Dallas, it became clear that a change was necessary. His fit with the Mavericks wasn’t ideal, and he struggled with conditioning at the start of the season.
Dallas had big plans for Williams, but he wasn’t prepared for the role. Although he reportedly lost 17 pounds during the season to improve his conditioning, it might have been too late to make a significant difference.
Now, one of the Mavericks’ new additions, Naji Marshall, is determined to avoid the same fate. The Mavs signed him to a three-year, $27 million contract to kick off free agency, and this move could prove to be one of the offseason’s most underrated acquisitions. Marshall is focused on getting in shape, as he shared in an interview with Mavs.com’s Eddie Sefko.
In addition to conditioning, Marshall mentioned several other areas he’s working on this summer to prepare for the upcoming season. It’s crucial that he takes his fitness seriously, especially after witnessing Williams’ struggles due to not being ready for his role under coach Jason Kidd. If Williams had been in better shape at the start, things might have turned out differently.
Marshall is set to become one of the team’s top defenders and, while he may not start immediately like Williams did, he will likely have an important role on the team.
Mavs fans are currently excited about Marshall, enjoying his social media presence, whether he’s attending a Mavs Hoop Camp or excelling in pro runs. The anticipation to see him in action is high.
Marshall himself is eager to contribute to the Mavs, and his summer preparations could make him a vital part of the rotation next season.
For the latest updates on Naji Marshall and the Dallas Mavericks throughout the offseason, stay tuned for more coverage.
