Even with its All-Star duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks still failed to go far in the playoffs this year because of the team’s subpar defense. To address that issue, the front office may go for New Orleans Pelicans wing Naji Marshall in the offseason.
Even though he wasn’t selected in the 2020 NBA Draft, Marshall still found a way to enter the league when he was signed to a two-way contract by the Pelicans. During that period, the 6’7″ small forward posted 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 32 games.
Marshall’s role with the team continued to blossom even if New Orleans has several wings in its lineup. Some notable examples include Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy II, among others. While each player has brought something tangible to the table for the Pelicans, Marshall’s $1.9 million contract for this season was significantly cheaper. Compared to his productivity on the court, especially on defense, and it’s safe to say that NOLA got more than what they bargained for with him.
The thing is, this season is the final one of his contract with the Pelicans. There’s a possibility the team signs him again to play with them, ink a new deal then trade him, or let the wing go in free agency. In any case, Milwaukee would do well to bring Marshall into the fold.
Milwaukee Bucks Projected To Pursue New Orleans Pelicans’ Naji Marshall in Free Agency
The Bucks’ defense hasn’t been the same since Jrue Holiday was traded for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. Even with the addition of Patrick Beverley before the trade deadline passed hasn’t helped the team resolve it defensive deficiencies. But according to Dalton Sell’s article for Behind the Buck Pass, Marshall can help in that area.
“With great size and length, the 26-year-old forward could give the Bucks a possible wing-stopper on the defensive end, something they have longed for. He’s also decent on the offensive end, coming off a season where he averaged 7.1 points per game while shooting a career-best 38.7 percent from the perimeter. Strong two-way play like that is exactly what this Milwaukee team needs.
The Athletic’s Will Guillory said on a recent episode of the HoopsHype Podcast that the New Orleans Pelicans are “sold” that Marshall will leave them in the off-season due to the team’s other financial situations. He notes that Marshall will aim to get himself paid. If that does not pan out, perhaps he’d be willing to take a prove-it deal with a contender to showcase his worth like Malik Beasley,” Sell wrote.
As opposed to other options in the market, Marshall offers what the Bucks need on defense without breaking the bank. Plus, his size and mobility allows the forward to lock down any assignment will make him fit well with Milwaukee’s core right away.
It’s not yet known which player the front office will pursue to help address their defensive needs. If they go for Marshall, though, that’d be a good win for the franchise.
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