The Dallas Mavericks needed some serious changes to their roster if they were going to repeat their trek as Western Conference champions following last year's magical run.
They landed that over the summer with one of the most highly effective offseasons in franchise history.
When the Mavericks signed Klay Thompson to a three-year deal early in free agency, Mavs fans couldn't wait to see him in a Mavs uniform. Now, that the smoke has cleared, it's clear the real offseason home run move was not Thompson.
Naji Marshall is proving he's perfect for Dallas
When Naji Marshall was signed to basically replace Derrick Jones Jr., there were obviously questions as to how his production would play out with the team losing Jones Jr.'s massive efforts that ended up taking Dallas to the NBA Finals last season.
Marshall has lived up to that hype as he haas outperformed Jones Jr. on the offensive end thus far, and he gives Dallas a much different player who can do much more than Jones Jr. could.
Marshall is putting up some of the best performances of his NBA career. He's averaging almost 12 points a game along with shooting nearly 55 percent from the field.
Even in a losing effort against Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, it seemed like Marshall was the only consistent offensive option for Dallas when Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving could not get going. His improved outside shot and deadly runner in the paint have been contributing to his high field goal percentage.
This was the offensive production Dallas had needed if they ever wanted to reach the promised land once more.
This was also the home run that Mavs fans might've not expected. The Thompson that people were picturing might've been shades from years past, but Nico Harrison and the Mavs organization knew that Thompson's shooting was needed, and he is starting to cash in more of his open attempts.
There are nights where Thompson has been off his game, but whenever he's needed a desperate answer, Thompson has provided good shotmaking to help the Mavs. He is still a deadly sharpshooter when dialed in, and the Mavs need to continue feeding him touches.
Thompson will be there if needed to help the Mavs in perimeter shooting, but Marshall is a true, natural scorer who can go and get buckets on a nightly basis while handling the ball when needed.
A player that was originally looked upon for defense and hustle has transformed into an offensive juggernaut. Dallas often relies on him to bring the ball up the floor to help conserve Doncic and Irving's energy, and he always seems to make the right decision in transition.
This was the upgrade that the Mavs organization needed, and they need to keep Marshall happy for years to come. If Thompson is on his game, that's considered a new plus, instead of something that must happen. Marshall will continue to show why he was the true winner of the 2024 offseason.