‘He Looks Ready To Go’: Naji Marshall Nears Dallas Mavericks Return As Santi Aldama’s Debut Gets Closer
DALLAS — Naji Marshall practiced Sunday after missing the Dallas Mavericks’ last three games with an illness. Santi Aldama, who has not played since undergoing right knee surgery in March, is moving closer to his Dallas debut.
Marshall averaged 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists over the first three games before the illness. Dallas has won three straight without him.
Marshall was questionable for Friday’s win over the Houston Rockets before sitting out. He was back on the practice floor Sunday, and Mavericks coach Dusty May came away encouraged.
“Naji’s feeling much, much better. He looks good. He looks ready to go,” May said.
Santi Aldama’s Season Debut ‘In The Near Future’
Aldama practiced Thursday and made a same-day trip to the Texas Legends last week for scrimmage work. May did not attach a specific date to his debut Sunday.
“Santi, yeah, he’s doing more and more, and his target date is in the near future,” May said.
Dallas acquired Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies in a July 8 trade after five seasons there. He averaged career highs of 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 43 games last season. He last played Feb. 4 and had an arthroscopic procedure on the knee March 17.
Daniel Gafford On Playing Alongside Aldama
Dallas has won its three straight with a thinned frontcourt. Morez Johnson Jr., the ninth overall pick in June, is averaging 6.3 points in 15.5 minutes off the bench. Moussa Cissé has appeared in four games as a backup center. Dereck Lively II remains out following right foot surgery.
Daniel Gafford expects Dallas to pick up where Aldama left off once he is back.
“I can’t wait. It’s just gonna be like any other day. We’re gonna pick up basically where he left off,” Gafford said. “It’s amazing to figure out where he left off. I’m pretty sure he’s just going to get back out there on the floor, so I can’t wait for him.”
Dallas wraps up its three-game homestand Monday night against the Sacramento Kings. Tip-off is 7 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center, with the game on KFAA and MavsTV+. Marshall is not on the Mavericks’ injury report for Monday, and Aldama is listed as doubtful.
