Why Naji Marshall Could Be the Pistons’ Under-the-Radar Trade Deadline Gem
As we inch closer to the trade deadline, the Detroit Pistons-still in search of pieces that can complement their young core-may want to keep a close eye on Naji Marshall. The Mavericks wing has quietly played his way into the conversation as one of the more intriguing trade candidates on the market, thanks to a recent stretch that’s showcased his value on both ends of the floor.
Over his last 10 games, Marshall has stepped up in a big way for Dallas, averaging 20 points per game while filling in for injured stars. What’s stood out isn’t just the scoring bump-it’s how he’s getting those points.
He’s not just finishing plays; he’s creating them. Marshall has been carving out buckets with a crafty handle and a relentless drive, showing he can be more than just a role player when the situation calls for it.
Now, let’s be real-Marshall’s three-point shot hasn’t exactly been a strength. He’s shooting just 31% from deep this season, and that’s a number that gives teams pause, especially those looking to space the floor more effectively.
But the Pistons, who’ve leaned into a gritty, paint-first offensive identity, might not see that as a deal-breaker. In fact, Marshall fits right into what Detroit has been building.
What Marshall lacks in perimeter shooting, he makes up for with a polished in-between game and an ability to finish through traffic. He thrives in tight spaces, using his size and footwork to create separation and get to his spots.
There’s a bit of Cade Cunningham in how he operates-methodical, physical, and hard to speed up. Like Cade, Marshall is a matchup problem.
Smaller guards can’t handle his strength, and bigger wings can’t stay in front of him.
Pairing Marshall with Cade could give Detroit a dynamic wing duo that can take pressure off each other while keeping defenses honest. While he’s shown his best stuff in Dallas when the stars are out, Detroit wouldn’t be asking him to carry the load-just to complement it.
That’s where things get interesting. The Pistons have done a solid job this season maximizing players who aren’t traditional floor-spacers, and Marshall could be the next beneficiary of that system.
Defensively, Marshall brings exactly the kind of edge Detroit wants. He’s a physical, switchable defender who doesn’t shy away from contact and can hound opposing guards into mistakes.
He’s not just a body on the wing-he’s a disruptor. That kind of presence fits perfectly into a Pistons team that’s trying to build a defensive identity around toughness and versatility.
No, Marshall won’t solve Detroit’s shooting woes overnight. But what he does bring is a two-way presence that can bolster the rotation without compromising the team’s defensive backbone. He’s a plug-and-play wing who fits the Pistons’ style and could offer a more polished version of the role Ron Holland II has been carving out.
If Detroit’s front office is looking for a low-cost, high-impact move at the deadline, Naji Marshall might just be the kind of under-the-radar addition that pays off big down the stretch.