New Orleans Pelicans: Has Naji Marshall earned a future roster spot?

The New Orleans Pelicans have been looking for some defense, toughness and playmaking off their bench all season, and it turns out they might have had the guy to provide it all along.

Naji Marshall was signed to a two-way deal in the offseason but because of this year’s COVID rules, he was allowed to stay with the team for the whole season.

He probably would have been in the G-League otherwise, but injuries have forced him into the rotation and he’s made the most of it. I was one who thought he could be an undrafted gem and he is starting to prove it while also filling a big need.

The Pelicans have lacked a backup small forward all season. They’ve also lacked wing defense, hustle and playmaking off the bench.

Marshall has been providing all of those things since becoming a regular part of the rotation but the question is whether he has done enough to earn a future roster spot.

New Orleans Pelicans: Naji Marshall has been a nice surprise

Marshall has played very well since being inserted into the rotation and occasionally the starting lineup.

He has averaged 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in the last ten games in which he’s been averaging 27 minutes and has been the Pelicans’ most effective bench player.

He doesn’t have elite athleticism or shoot the lights out, but Marshall is just good at making basketball plays. He always seems to be in the right place, is smart with the ball and makes good reads on both ends.

For a team that desperately needs to get smarter and play better defense, Marshall’s hustle and overall basketball I.Q. have been refreshing.

His playmaking has been especially surprising, as he was thought to be more of defense/energy type player, not necessarily one out there setting up teammates.

He has played well enough to warrant a long look, especially when you consider his future contract and how it could help the Pelicans.

Marshall will enter restricted free agency after this season but the Pelicans should be able to retain him at a league minimum contract. The New Orleans Pelicans desperately need producers who are on cheap deals, as they are already facing serious salary cap issues in the near future.

If they can get a guy who produces from the wing on a minimum deal, it would be huge win for the Pelicans and might allow them to move on from Josh Hart if they are not comfortable with his asking price.

Naji Marshall has been one of the nice surprises of the season and his combination of production and contract should make him attractive for next season.