Former lottery pick Kendall Marshall posts near triple-double in D-League debut
By Brad Rowland
NBA lottery picks aren’t supposed to be out of the league after just one season, but that is exactly what happened to former Phoenix Suns point guard Kendall Marshall. After being dealt to Washington in an off-season trade, Marshall was unceremoniously cut by the Wizards, and while he was planning a D-League comeback, he didn’t surface until Wednesday.
#Sevens acquire 2012 first-round pick Kendall Marshall off of waivers. pic.twitter.com/xMtoMTspkf
— Delaware Blue Coats (@blue_coats) December 4, 2013
The Delaware 87’s signed Marshall off of waivers, and they represent the D-League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. With the signing of Marshall (who was the #13 pick in the 2012 draft), Philly appears to be taking a high-level flyer on a talented player, and if Wednesday’s debut with the team is any indication, they’ve made the right move.
Kendall Marshall's final line in his first game as an 87er: 31 points (11-18 FG, 5-9 3PT, 4-6 FT), 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 7 TOs.
— Michael Levin (@Michael_Levin) December 5, 2013
Wow.
Obviously, Marshall can’t be expected to put up that kind of statistical production each and every night (even in the D-League), but that’s an incredible debut for the former UNC star. I’ve maintained that he should be on an NBA roster due to the low cost and high ceiling, but no one could have expected this, especially after his rough debut season in Phoenix.
The jury is still firmly out on Marshall after he posted a 7.85 PER and shot 37% from the field last season with the Suns, but there’s no doubt that he’s a better asset (if not player) than many teams have at the end of their bench, and he’ll get another shot soon enough.