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Naji Marshall · Three victories shy of a second NBA championship a season ago, the Dallas Mavericks attacked the offseason aggressively, seeking out versatile, team-first talents capable of helping them potentially complete the title puzzle. With their cross-town Texas rivals hot on their heels during the season-opener, they certainly had to appreciate the sequence that Naji Marshall pieced together on October 24, 2024. Building his five-year NBA career on hustle-heavy, high-IQ play, Marshall exemplifies said skillset, first by recognizing and then eliminating Tre Jones’ crash of the glass, instinctually saving a potential putback opportunity. Immediately swiveling his head, Marshall takes a calculated risk, putting a down-the-floor pass between the grooves of the San Antonio Spurs’ fastbreak defense, and into the possession of his All-NBA guard for an easy bucket. Marshall’s two-point, one-rebound, three-assist contribution would ultimately play a role in Dallas’ breakaway second half and win, prompting a 1-0 start. · State of Mint