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*Photo via NBC Sports
Kendall Marshall recently made news this week by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. He will be competing with Ish Smith for the starting point guard spot on the team, and he has a legitimate shot at making the roster. If Marshall does get the starting job, he could play a pivotal role in jumpstarting Philly’s rebuild.
The Phoenix Suns drafted Marshall in 2012, but he didn't make much of an impact in the NBA until he played for the Lakers in 2013. His most notable game came against the Utah Jazz in which he scored 20 points and dished out 15 assists. In the very next game, Marshall dished out a career-high 17 assists.
Some of that could be attributed to (Marshall’s head coach at the time) Mike D’Antoni’s offense, but nonetheless Marshall has great court vision for a point guard and he’s a passing wizard. His weaknesses are evident: lack of athleticism and not strong guarding the ball. If he can manage to improve upon his defense somewhat and hold his own on that end, he’ll stay on the court.`
The Sixers have been in need of a legitimate point guard since they traded away Michael Carter-Williams last year. Marshall may not be a certifiable starter for the future, but he’s a solid floor general with starters experience. At worst, he can lead the time until they find a more worthy starter.