Dallas Basketball

Mavericks' X-factor rises up in 2020 NBA re-draft

Naji Marshall went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, but after his season with the Dallas Mavericks, he proved he should have been selected.

Jeremy Brener

Feb 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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The Dallas Mavericks signed Naji Marshall away from the division rival New Orleans Pelicans on a three-year, $27 million deal, and the move paid large dividends for the team.

Marshall had his best year yet in Dallas, coming into his own as one of the key players in Jason Kidd's rotation throughout the season.

HoopsHype performed a recent exercise, re-drafting the entire 2020 draft class where Marshall came in at No. 17 despite going undrafted five years ago.

READ MORE: Mavericks trade 'preference' on two key pieces revealed

Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins defends Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall
Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins defends Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall. / David Banks-Imagn Images

Marshall among best in draft class

"The 2020 draft didn’t even have many interesting undrafted stories," HoopsHype wrote.

"Naji Marshall is one of them, however, as the former Xavier standout went from draft snub in 2020 to starting games as a 27-year-old in the NBA this past season. Marshall just had his most productive NBA season, putting up 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists on nearly 51 percent shooting from the floor, solid marks for a formerly undrafted player."

Marshall now projects to be one of the key players for Dallas next season when the team tries to contend again with Cooper Flagg as the No. 1 overall pick.

Marshall could potentially have his minutes compromised with Flagg and him playing similar wing positions, but coach Kidd might try to find ways to put both of them in the game together.

It remains to be seen how Marshall will respond with Flagg on the roster, but if this past season was any indication, he should have an impact nonetheless.

READ MORE: NBA insider reports 'mutual' interest between Jason Kidd, New York Knicks

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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