Naji Marshall's departure raises two immediate concerns

Naji Marshall served as sustainable forward depth for New Orleans over the course of his career. In his first four seasons, he averaged eight points, four rebounds, and two assists. Marshall hasn't always been model of efficiency primarily off the bench, shooting 43 percent, 32 percent from three, and 78 percent from the free throw line. However, Marshall has a career-best shooting season in 2023-24, shooting 46 percent, 39 percent from three, and 79 percent on free throws.

While Marshall's offense to some time to develop, his defense and toughness has always been present. A lengthy, six-foot-seven wing, Marshall has the athleticism and versatility to defend guards, wings, and forwards. Listed at 220 pounds, Marshall's unique size gives him the ability to guard bigger players in smaller lineups. One of the first signings to occur when the free agency period opened, Marshall agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Marshall's signing comes in the wake of Dallas losing starting small forward Derrick Jones Jr. in free agency. Expected to contribute big minutes, Marshall will likely start for the Mavericks, who just lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals this past season. In 230 career games, Marshall has started just 36 games. Averaging over nine points in 2022-23, Marshall averaged seven points, four rebounds, and two assists per game in nearly 20 minutes per game.

The void Marshall leaves in New Orleans doesn't seem significant on paper, but is a major blow for the Pelicans in reality. Marshall was able to remain far more durable than New Orleans' stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, playing in 198 games over the last three seasons. For context, Brandon Ingram has played 164 games in that time, while Zion has played 184 career games in five seasons. Often the player who replaced Zion's minutes in the starting lineup, Marshall leaving raises concerns.

Where's the forward depth without Marshall?

The Pelicans forward depth has become increasingly thin. With Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, and Naji Marshall, the Pelicans had not only a formidable starting unit, but enough depth to withstand injuries, poor performance, etc. Add Larry Nance Jr., and New Orleans had depth that could play small forward, power forward, and center across their roster. With Nance Jr. no longer on the team (sent to Atlanta in the Dejounte Murray trade), Marshall's departure leaves the Pelicans thin.

Based off last year's roster, the only other forward in the rotation was Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Robinson-Earl played sparingly across 39 games just under nine minutes per game) last season, with a $2.2 million team option for the 2024-25 season. He's either set to play big minutes, or the Pelicans will look elsewhere to replace Marshall and Nance Jr.'s minutes (and production). With all of New Orleans depth from last season gone, the front office has work to do in order to fill its rotation.

Without any sufficient depth, Brandon Ingram's status as a Pelican could be decided. By moving Ingram, the Pelicans would play a combination of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones at small forward but lack any depth behind Zion Williamson at power forward. Losing Marshall is a blow to not only New Orleans' depth, but another dire need for their roster if they want to build around Zion.

The Pelicans need for shooting only grows without Marshall

Marshall's career shooting numbers aren't appealing to the naked eye. However, Marshall improved tremendously as a shooter in 2023-24, shooting nearly 40 percent on threes. A near 80 percent free throw shooter, Marshall can be relied on to make free throws, and doesn't have to be off the floor at the end of games. The most significant improvement for Marshall has been his field goal percentage.

Over the course of his four seasons, Marshall's field goal percentage has increased from 39 percent to 41 percent, followed by 43 percent, then a career-high 46 percent this season. The incremental improvements serve as evidence of Marshall's adaptability, work ethic, and promise as he enters his prime. Just 26 years old, Marshall is only now entering his prime years, and his game can grow even further playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

While Marshall's game was limited by the dominant on-ball presence of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson, Marshall's game could take another step forward playing with two willing passers in Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Even with the on-ball presence of each player, the passing in Dallas remains superior to New Orleans' passing. Marshall could be a breakout candidate and 'X-factor' for Dallas as a league name to watch. But the question remains: What's next for New Orleans?