The NBA recently released its regular season schedulebringing a slight spark to the dog days of the off-season, but the off-season is in full swing until training camps open in early October.
We asked fans on social media to send their questions to the nonconformists and what intrigues them as the season approaches. If you have any, send them to [email protected] or to @MikeACurtis2 on Twitter/X, and we’ll post them as we respond.
We got questions about Dallas’ offseason moves, which included the acquisitions of Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes; the health of Luka Doncic after an injury-riddled postseason; and more.
Here are the answers to the questions about Marshal And Grimes.
Do you think that Naji [Marshall] will be a better player next to Luka than Flight 55 [Derrick Jones Jr.]? – @JonBPollard1990
This question can’t be simplified into a yes or no answer. Doncic will benefit from playing with Marshall in a way that wasn’t possible with Jones in the lineup, and vice versa. Marshall shot better from three-point range last season (38.7 percent) than Jones (34.3 percent). That will be an asset for Doncic because of the attention he gets from other defenders. If Marshall can replicate his perimeter success from last season, he could be a great fit in lineups with Doncic. He’s also a willing passer, and more movement with the ball can always help the Mavericks.
Jones has an aerial skill set which helped make the Mavericks’ lob threat potent at the wing position. If opponents had to consider the lob-catching abilities of Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford, they also had to consider Jones’ athleticism. Doncic won’t have that luxury this season, but Marshall might be the more versatile player on offense.
The acquisition of Klay is important, but do you think they will acquire [Quentin] Grimes could be just as impactful (provided he stays healthy) for the Mavs this year when you consider what he brings defensively? – @sportsguyq
I look Mavericks offseason additions as upgrades to their missing players: Tim Hardaway Jr. ThompsonJones’ Marshall and Josh Green’s Quentin Grimes.
Grimes had the best season of his young career in his second year with the New York Knicks. He averaged 11.3 points and shot 38 percent from three-point range while starting 66 games. He won’t be counted on to score much, but if he can enjoy his minutes as a substitute and playing defense, he will have an impact.
Green has shown energy and dynamism as a backup and his offense has been a bonus. Grimes has an opportunity to do the same, but his expectations shouldn’t be lumped in with Thompson’s. They’ll have significantly different roles.
What is the overall impact that Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes will bring to the second unit? – @clsmoothx
Marshall and Grimes should bring a new dynamic to the Mavericks defense. Both are good one-on-one defenders and both know how to get around screens without fouling.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd could use a hypothetical second unit with Spencer Dinwiddie or Jaden Hardy at point guard, and Grimes and Marshall with Maxi Kleber, Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford at power forward.
Grimes and Marshall can both provide a significant boost to the offense if they can hit three-pointers. Kidd will have plenty of time to refine his rotations once training camp begins, but he’s equipped with two new versatile players.
Other questions about the Mavericks mail
No. 1: Is Klay Thompson the fourth best player in Dallas?
No. 2: Are Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes as impactful as Klay Thompson?
No. 3: Coming soon…
No. 4: Coming soon…
No. 5: Coming soon…
