We are a few weeks into NBA free agency, and if you are reading this, you probably know that most of the big-name players have already made their moves. However, amidst the buzz surrounding the major signings, there are some lesser-known players who have also made significant moves worth noting. These under-the-radar signings can often make a big impact on a team’s success, showcasing that success in the NBA can come down to the little details.
As we begin to see how the league’s teams have transformed their rosters, let’s focus on some players who may not be household names but have the potential to make a major impact. Starting with a player in Dallas, Naji Marshall…
Naji Marshall, Mavericks
Contract: 3 years, $27 million
Naji Marshall has made quite a journey from being undrafted out of Xavier to earning a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal with the Mavericks. His versatility and skill set have caught the attention of many in the league, earning him the nickname of “just a knife” from Pelicans head coach Willie Green. This description fits Marshall well, as he has shown sharpness and adaptability throughout his career.
In Dallas, Marshall replaces Derrick Jones Jr., bringing a different set of skills to the team. While he may not have Jones’ above-the-rim athleticism, Marshall offers size, physicality, and offensive prowess. His ability to drive to the basket, create plays, and contribute on both ends of the floor make him a valuable addition to the Mavericks’ lineup.
Marshall’s stats from last season demonstrate his impact on the court, with more drives, assists, steals, and deflections than Jones. His shooting percentages also stand out, especially in clutch moments. While Dallas may miss some of Jones’ specific skills, Marshall’s well-rounded game and playoff experience make him a strong fit for a team looking to build on their recent success.
Overall, Marshall’s signing with the Mavericks may not have made headlines like some of the bigger moves in free agency, but his contributions could prove to be invaluable as the team aims for continued success in the upcoming season. However, keeping Joe on a contract that appears to be quite favorable, with a decrease in annual salary and a team option for Year 4, as reported by Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, was a brilliant move for the Thunder. Their offense relied on shooting, spacing, and intricate plays like inverted pick-and-rolls and guard-guard screening actions.
Joe’s ability to set screens and hit 3-pointers on the move added an extra dimension to Oklahoma City’s offense. He has shot an impressive 41.2% from beyond the arc on 9.5 attempts per 36 minutes over two seasons with the Thunder. Only five NBA players have matched that level of accuracy and volume in the past two years. Additionally, Joe’s catch-and-shoot 3-point percentage was among the top in the league last season.
His threat as a shooter in motion helped create driving lanes for players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, boosting the Thunder’s offensive efficiency significantly when he was on the court. Despite the depth at the wing position, Joe’s presence on the team adds valuable shooting and floor spacing.
Locking in the prime years of a talented 25-year-old shooter like Joe for a fraction of the salary cap makes perfect sense for the Thunder, especially considering future contract extensions for other key players. Even if Joe doesn’t see a substantial increase in playing time, his shooting prowess will be a valuable asset to the team.
In contrast, the Wizards made an important acquisition in Jonas Valančiūnas, who brings a much-needed physical presence and rebounding expertise to a team that struggled in those areas last season. Valančiūnas may not have the modern skill set of some big men, but his brute force and efficiency in generating points through screens and post-ups make him a valuable addition to Washington’s roster. With his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates and his high shooting percentage on 2-pointers, Valančiūnas will be a key player for the Wizards as they aim to improve their performance. That was Tyus Jones, an unrestricted free agent point guard who may not be returning. The Bucks should consider giving Doc Rivers more flexibility in setting lineups by utilizing Wright at shooting guard alongside Lillard and having Prince switch between forward positions to complement the existing frontcourt players. While neither Wright nor Prince are considered game-changing players, the team doesn’t necessarily need them to be. The key is to have more players who can contribute defensively, keep the ball moving, hit open shots, and play off the stars. Finding one such player at a minimum would be beneficial, but finding two would be even better.
In another scenario, the Magic signed Jonathan Isaac to a five-year, $84 million contract. Despite his injury history, Isaac has shown immense defensive prowess on the court. His impact on defense is comparable to some of the best defenders in the league. The Magic secured his services at a potential discount, allowing them to renegotiate his contract and include various guarantees based on his health and performance. If Isaac can maintain his defensive excellence and improve his offensive game while staying healthy, the Magic will have locked up a player with superstar-level impact at a fraction of the salary cap, which will be crucial as their young players transition to larger contracts in the future. If the investment pays off, the Magic, who were the fourth-youngest team in the NBA last season with emerging All-Star players and a fierce defense, could find themselves reaping the rewards both on the court and financially. A deep playoff run, potentially their first since Dwight Howard’s departure, could be on the horizon. sentence: Could you please turn off the light before you leave the room?
Would you mind switching off the light before you exit the room? There is more than one way to rewrite a sentence. Can you please provide me with the sentence you would like me to rewrite?