The Dallas Mavericks Didn't Forget Their NBA Finals Lesson With Naji Marshall & Quentin Grimes

The Dallas Mavericks brought in Klay Thompson to address their shooting issues in the NBA Finals but Naji Marshall & Quentin Grimes also helped the Mavs address a lesson they learned that made everything work with Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving.
Nick Angstadt breaks down the Dallas Mavericks' latest moves, focusing on the addition of Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall. He highlights how these players embody the "dirty work wings" mentality that the Mavericks learned was crucial during their NBA Finals run. Angstadt discusses the importance of having players who excel in defense and toughness, especially with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving needing support on the defensive end. The episode also features insights from Grimes and Marshall on their roles and what they bring to the team, including their defensive prowess and ability to make hustle plays. Tune in for an in-depth look at how these new additions could impact the Mavericks' upcoming season.
Subscribe to Our Subtext to Get Texts from Nick on Mavs Rumors, Game Updates, Mavs Film Watchback Videos, Q&As, & More…
📲 joinsubtext.com/lockedonmavs
📲 TEXT: 214-643-8637
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts...
🎧 Apple buff.ly/2nE23zM
🎧 Spotify buff.ly/2D9kZgK
🎧 KZbin Music buff.ly/3LCb3gh
🎧 Pocket Casts pca.st/bPVO
🎧 Overcast buff.ly/34r6SOi
🎧 Castbox buff.ly/4bAM0EL
🎧 Audible buff.ly/3SjqZZm
🎧 Himalaya bit.ly/2pS463P
🎧 Audacy bit.ly/2SydQib
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
🎧 linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA
📲 Follow Locked On Mavs on Socials
- Locked On Mavs / lockedonmavs
- Nick Angstadt Twitter / nickvanexit
- Nick Angstadt TikTok / nickvanexit
- Nick Angstadt Instagram / nickvanexit
LET IT RIDE: Intro Music from CFM Productions
- Music & Arrangement : Marjan Gjorgjievski
- Mix & Mastering : Marjan Gjorgjievski
📢 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors: lockedonpodcasts.com/offers
LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.
eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
PrizePicks
Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100!
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS - if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
#LukaDoncic #KyrieIrving #DallasMavericks #Dallas #NBA #Mavericks #Mavs #DallasMavs #MFFL

[@destroiz]

I love that Klay said “I gotta go against both of them” he knows he needs to be good on defense if he wants to close games, he’s not assuming that his spot in the lineup is guaranteed. A true competitor

[@countfloydschillerhorrorth2090]

That’s a interpretation. What he said didn’t include all that from Your statement of what he said. With three sub defensive guards starting Yeah they all gonna have to guard guards quite a bit. Question is how bad it will be. A little worse is fine But a lot worse Well I like that you were one of the few to mention that the bench will certainly be on n the table if it’s quite bad

[@Saltcreezy]

the amount of times Klay said "im so excited..."

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

Nick, you're excellent at your job. Seriously 👏🏿

[@tiagoDBsoares]

Nick you're better than average at your job seriously😂🎉😜

[@luigiorfanelli]

We got the GOAT of Locked On… also one of the top hosts in sports media 👌🏻🔥

[@circaen]

Yeah he gets me listening even when there are scraps to talk about. What a beast.

[@LockedOnMavericks]

Man, thank you guys 😭 last couple have been tough for me to get going.

[@AdamHammond-]

​@@LockedOnMavericks seriously. You have such a high level of skill. Your work makes being a Mavs fan so much more enjoyable. It might even be the best part of being a Mavs fan.

[@philipthavenius9801]

All of them joining the team with the clear idea that they will get a ring with this team is fantastic! Both the offense and defense became better!

[@RoyGBiv-mb8xt]

I still can’t believe the Mavericks replaced THJ with Klay as the third scoring option. That’s a game changer!

[@jjcometa9333]

Only haters and fans of other teams are hating on this move. Mavs fans love this for a lot of reasons

[@jnmc2498]

No matter what melody you have at the intro… The ”let it ride” is the best😅💪

[@OscarRodriguez-kp1nw]

Nooooo why did the intro change💔

[@RJ_2002]

Only on a lot of the offseason stuff I think. Ain’t no way they getting rid of the- let it riiiiide

[@mouseinthehouse_]

Take a drink every time Nick says “dirty work wings”

[@LockedOnMavericks]

Then pass out

[@pbenavides09]

“For tanking…I mean muscle soreness.” 🤣😆🤣

[@SnehP20]

What happened to the old intro? It was so much more hype

[@luigiorfanelli]

A lot of how and what Naji said in the conference was INCREDIBLY similar to what DJJ said during the first interviews last year 💕💕

[@lasoota555]

Naji "I'm talented at everything" Marshall 😭😤😩

[@tadejpeckaj1151]

Man and we still have O’Max.. I hope he gets some playing time this year💪💪💪

[@houndsviking591]

Same here , hoping he show growth in the summer league , dude is 6”8 would be awesome!!!!! Him in the rotation

[@AverageYTuser420]

I would love Omax to replace Maxi as a backup to PJ at the 4. I love Maxi but we need to invest in our future.

[@AverageYTuser420]

I would love Omax to replace Maxi as a backup to PJ at the 4. I love Maxi but we need to invest in our future.

[@houndsviking591]

@@AverageYTuser420 I hope omax can take that next step this summer where he is clear the one coming instead of maxi , only thing of course I’m going with what I saw but is looks like omax slim down a little bit I was hoping he puts a little more muscle to battle down low but let’s see.

[@boristeplitskiy7632]

@@AverageYTuser420maxi needs to stay healthy and hit shots, play solid on defense. He hasn’t done both consistently in two years. This is his final chance if he can do that. By mid season he will be traded if he doesn’t provide

[@HalaMadridMavs]

I’m so hyped for this new season

[@tadejpeckaj1151]

What have you done to the intro 😮

[@Improving186]

You don’t understand how good Naji is

[@jjcometa9333]

Some people hating on the mavs' offseason moves are forgetting the fact that 2 of our core became 3. And they improved the shooting, defense, playmaking, height, length. Sht everything but athleticism.

[@ernestoosuna9041]

Let it ride! Finally going to catch a live one 😎

[@southernz]

I’m already so pumped for next season and the pods get me more excited every time I listen

[@ghedneildagalea6958]

I like the new music intro. Makes us sound like the villain, I hope we win a chip this year and we go on a revenge tour.

[@johnbavender9775]

Nick, the answer is to split up Luka and Kyrie for most of the second and third quarters and sub in Naji and Quentin to put more pressure on the opponents best offensive players. This will reduce Luka's and Kyrie's minutes to under 35 per game but it will make them stronger for end of every games. The main lesson from the five-game loss to the Celtics should be that managing Luka's health is going to paramount to the team's ability win championships. Kula being young plays like he is a superman because he can recover very fast from injuries, but he should realize that when he is in pain his ability to perform is limited. He needs to not drive into contact as much so he can be closer to 100% strength in the playoffs. Also, with Klay the offense should involve much more movement and picks and down screens to open the spacing for Kula, Kyrie, and Klay.

[@blakejester6133]

Sorry I’m late but tuned in now for this episode 💙🔥 Nick the goat!

[@ericchung5869]

awesome pod

[@CrystalCanyon100]

I like Michael Finley sitting there stoic - look what we got - I helped do this and we are going to be tough! Sort of has Morgan Freeman vibe.

You made me laugh with that

[@coltondodd3086]

The new music is really cool

[@Efe94632]

Man I really like the new intro. So cool🎉🎉😂

[@troyd0]

Love the new intro music!

[@generallukeproductions]

You can tell Klay has been media trained lol

[@dannysmuzic1807]

This episode makes me feel a little bit better. I'm actually pretty hyped rn

[@lukebyrne1277]

If everything goes well for the Mavs this season, it is plausible that Grimes is in the running for 6th man of the year. Will be one of the first players off the bench once to slot into the guard rotation. Will defend and score plenty off the bench. Excited with the signing and to think he was untouchable in Mitchell trades less than 2 years ago.

[@Sylv1ception71]

LET IT RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE. MFFL. (love the new intro)

[@L77kaMagic817]

Isolate the laugh AFTER Naji's comment 😂

[@fabianfrey7649]

Lets go mavs!

[@timh363]

according to b ball index grimes was ranked 1st in gaurding the other teams top offensive player over dort, holiday, herb jones, dillion brooks etc

[@circaen]

I love the additions. I think the Mavs will be a much better team. Still, Mavs can only olay 5 guys at a time & we may have a tough time finding lineups with defense and offense. But I trust Jkidd to find the best rotationa.

[@Greasmister]

🦝🦝 appreciate you Nick

[@dpend]

This season is gonna be sooooo good why we gotta wait so long til it starts 😂 im so hype

[@crisdeugzman3711]

I was thinking how can kidd give all of them time on the floor then I remember he was able to give time to thj, djj and josh green in various lineups. And they just replaced those 3

[@nate-pq2lm]

Can't wait for thoose 1st day of schools podcast you do w the players

[@MJTX08]

Oh snap new intro.

[@TopDogStatus25]

At the beginning I was cautious well I want to say I thought we got worse because we lost a great athlete, shooter and defender in DJJ and Josh Green and also THJ but the more I thought about it i honestly changed my mind, I thought Klay was washed and not only because of this one game but I thought his time was up and now that I think about heck we got Klay mf Thompson wide open at the 3 point line and if not either Luka, Kyrie, DLIVE, Gaff or PJ are going to destroy you. And defensively Naji is a juggernaut and insanely good at absorbing contact just as Grimes and we still got PJ and that insane front court with Maxi who can guard 3 to 5 and Gaffs and DLIVEs rebounding and shot blocking. Klay mfing Thompson wide open the 2nd splash brother and he got one of the 3 greatest playmakers of all time next to him with Luka and the greatest ball handler of all time next to him with Kyrie. Bro if yall thought Steph was a great playmaker bro Luka is play making wise in a different galaxy than Steph. This is so insane

[@williamkent2446]

Agreed!

[@C_los78]

Markelle fultz is available. He would be a great pick up signing

[@aintpace]

i don’t think we can afford him nor have enough minutes

[@jjcometa9333]

Unless he's a great POA defender der or he accepts vet min, then I don't see him signing with us

[@beastscale1892]

We still need Forward depth. Marcus Morris is on the market but getting someone younger could be the play.

[@invisobill2125]

There’s no specific position they need really. Plenty of forwards on this team. Naji PJ Maxi Omax. Luka and Klay are forward sized. Lively, Gafford, Powell for centers, and now the 7’5 guy. Size is one of their advantages. If anything they lack another guard who can dribble the ball. They have Exum Kyrie and Luka. Klay and Grimes arent really ball handlers. I thought they should grab Dinwiddie.

[@KevsJan]

At first i thought the same, but then i realized they still have kleber to mix in a few minutes and also omax.

[@beastscale1892]

@KevsJan O-Max too small and Maxi isn't reliable. We need another Forward. We can play 5 in physicality to relieve Gaff and Lively while also can stretch the floor.

[@beastscale1892]

@invisobill2125 Hardy, Exum, Luka, Kyrie, Grimes etc are enough guards. We need a Forward that can be physical enough to play the 5 position while being depth for PJ.

[@invisobill2125]

@@beastscale1892 I don’t think they need that specially though. For a whole game you’ll have Gafford/Lively on the floor, most teams can’t match that kind of size and athleticism for 48 minutes. That reduces the size burden at all times. Look at the Celtics, they don’t have anyone that is like PJ. Tatum is their PJ equivalent and that’s it for their physical forwards. They just have their two main bigs (porzingis and Horford), and a bunch of versatile wing defenders. The Mavs have that now too. Marshall and Maxi add more than enough defensive versatility. There’s no worthwhile forward similar to PJ to add unless they can give up excess rotation players they don’t need (Hardy, Powell, Lawson)

[@user-jj1vk2nv9d]

Intro music go crazy

[@mavsdebator]

I'm not here for the defense is going to take a hit narrative. Klay is a massive defensive upgrade from THJ & so is Grimes from Green. Naji should be as good if not better than DJJ. From March 1 to the end of the regular season DJJ played 10 games under 20 min. & only 6 games over 25 min., and there were plenty of times when he did not close the games out either. If they can stay healthy, Mavs are about to set the whole league on fire.

[@chris-727]

We’re so lucky that Nico has the power to change this whole team. Bringing in Kyrie and Klay to play with Luka is a dream come true. He also doesn’t forget about defense. And getting rid of THJ was the obvious move that previous management wld not do. Now he just has to finish the off season by getting rid of Maxi, he’s just not reliable when we need it. If he plays with us next season, he really does have a “lifetime”contract.

[@mayowa11]

5:28 AAAAAYYYYOOOOO

[@JTMont21]

Just want to say during the USA Canada game. Dwight powell got his quota for getting hit in the face.

lol I bet

[@williamkent2446]

Something tells me we wont miss DJJ this year...

[@albertoocasio2331]

These guys will be great for us and defense is what got us to the finals but a lack of shooting is the reason we lost to Boston…if either Grimes or Naji can be somewhat reliable on catch and shoot 3’s, we should be in good shape

[@JGF90]

QG winning 6th man!

[@ericchung5869]

❤

[@roneteus]

Seemingly perfectly balanced as all things should be.

[@markouljancic975]

They can defend an shoot, great pick ups.

[@MastaFame]

New intro?

[@zacharylenson5399]

Iv never been that high on grimes, when the knicks where saying he was untouchable in that period I was laughing, I hope he proves me wrong but idk maybe I havernt seen enough of him, I’m not sure but I hope he helps Dallas and can atleast play better than green or on the same level

You’re confusing everyone because in your first sentence you say you’ve never been that high on Grimes but in your second sentence you say you haven’t seen that much of him? How do you make that make sense?

[@josephrodriguez9461]

Who has the most pressure coming into this next season ?? PJ as becoming your primary defending? Klay showing what he has in the defensive end? Or Luka showing up HEALTHY & in shape? 🧐

[@JERWINIVANCORBETA]

DALLAS 2025 NBA CHAMPS!!!!!! IM PUMPED!!

[@MeRacko]

The fact that Eminem dropped a song called Kyrie&Luka mean that Mavs will be the champions 🏆

[@sebastijanp3]

I hope I am wrong about Klay. By that conference and the way he smurked, I might very likely be. Maybe he really can still make shots.

[@ksamkim210]

🎵🎵🎵

[@62528354robi]

The Mavs can now go small and not sacrifice defense, although I think Livelly can hang with a smaller lineup too. Klay gonna improve everybody in shooting. When he is on the court with Luka and Kyrie the opposing team will leave the other two wide open most of the time, cause playing 1 on 1 with those 3, and adding Livelly or Gaford on the court, will likely prove to be suicide for the opposing team. The one that could benefit the most could be Luka. They are both February guys, and they are similarly built, Klay was a lockdown defender and he can show Luka how to improve even more on that end. Then the Mavs will really start to dominate when those.

[@user-ev6pe8ib7e]

Jabari sharp

[@maxturner3279]

I think Klay absolutely closes games. You can’t have your best clutch 3p shooter on the bench in the clutch. He can muster up defense in the end of the game because his overall minutes will be lower (filled in by a mix of Marshall and grimes)

[@tyleredsel3083]

New intro???

[@morriscastillo9587]

I know this is Locked On but I'm missing Slightly

[@LockedOnMavericks]

Same though

[@tacocasa9812]

COWBOYS 🤠 SUPERBOWL

[@saggerpance]

This is not an authorized intro song, sir.

[@MrDooney17]

Nah this opening beat ain’t itttt, I ain’t feeling all these other beats he be dropping on the opening .. keep the original and let that shit riiiddeee

[@peeteryeet7773]

Great work as always, Nick!!!! Stay motivated and keep grinding💪🏻💪🏻

[@eda2341_]

🦝

[@hobbes1232]

New Intro music has no vibes

[@sportfanatic5339]

Bench Klay!!!! You’re tripping Nick. Luka for a career shoots the ball 20 times per game with a 47% field goal percentage and makes 75% of his free throws. Klay for a career shoots the ball 16 times per game with a 45% field goal percentage, and makes 85% of his free throws. Also, some of you may be thinking Luka is more efficient, nope! Klay has an effective field percentage (eFG%) of 55% and Luka’s is 54%. So this notion of benching Klay but not Luka is diabolical. I assume you’re saying to bench Klay because of his defense but we all know Luka is the worst at defense. This is the same guy that argues with the refs on every play, and don’t hustle back up the floor, he’s also the same guy that took a ridiculous charge when he had 5 fouls, and fouled out. Why? Because he was upset he didn’t get a call on the other end. Klay can’t break down the offense like Luka but he did drop 37 in a quarter so 🤷‍♂️

[@joepsips787]

Klay is not better than Luka, you’re not benching Luka for Klay. Stop it. He’s saying that sometimes you need an all out defender next to Luka and Kyrie to close games, it will happen that klay doesn’t close a game, prepare yourself

[@sportfanatic5339]

@@joepsips787 define better?

[@joepsips787]

@@sportfanatic5339 Luka is one of the best playmakers of all time (this should be obvious so idk why I have to explain it) and klay is mostly a great shooter and good defender.

[@sportfanatic5339]

@@joepsips787so what would you rate a guy that scored 37 points in a quarter as a play maker?

[@joepsips787]

@@sportfanatic5339 Klay is an amazing player, but brings something completely different than Luka does, that’s all I’m saying. Besides, currently Luka is nearing his prime, whereas Klay is past it (can’t argue that)

[@jaysmith4357]

Isn’t Grimes a point guard?? No matter how great he plays which I think he will, he ever starts unless Luka or Kai is injured.

[@Matthew_Kunovic]

Shooting Guard

[@reececisneros1622]

He’s a 3-d wing defender. Just like Josh Green. Which is why people are saying he’s a more polished Green.

[@qam8429]

klay, naji, grimes, will replace thj, djj, and josh green. naji and grimes realistically will be long term players since they fit the timeline. all of our core players with the exception ofof kyrie and klay are around the same age as luka. i think are bench is one of the best in the league on paper. hardy, grimes, marshal, gafford.

[@mouseinthehouse_]

Not sure I agree with the decision to change the intro from a hype song to a generic low energy beat, no need to try and fix what wasn’t broken

[@richardcase9165]

NICK STOP IT, YOU CANNOT WIN WITH DWIGHT, MAXI AND TIMMY ALL 3 HAVE TO GO NOT JUST TIMMY, no scrubs allowed and I'm glad to see you are learning nobody under 6-8 or over 28 lol or dirty work wings lol, just what dirty work does lay-up line maxi misalot or super Dwight do lol

[@joepsips787]

Nahhh maxi is a good defender (will never defend Powell you’re right on that one)

[@richardcase9165]

@@joepsips787 lol where does all this love come from for a guy that an over 30 injury riddled role player that can't defend, can't rebound, can't shot, this bs myth that he can guard 1-5 how that got started lol in no decade could he do that lol, people need to see lay-up line maxi misalot for what he is not what they want him to be

[@joepsips787]

@@richardcase9165 as I said, he’s a good defender. A lineup with him and lively together is tough to score on, that’s just how it is. That’s why he got so many minutes last playoff run

[@richardcase9165]

@@joepsips787 lol and how did that work out lol

[@richardcase9165]

@@joepsips787 lay-up line maxi isnt hard to score on but its hard to score on pj and livly lol not lay-up line maxi misalot lol

[@bloodhound711]

Wth happened to the intro...that had real character, this is too generic...still love this show tho ❤

[@ProudVet]

A healthy Knicks team LED by Brunson from last year was/is a bigger threat to the Boston than the Mavericks. Instructive that Finals participant has 5 teams ahead of them.

[@beastscale1892]

@ProudVet Mavs would've been the 2nd seed in the East so no Mavs just lacked a 3pt shooter and their 2 main stars were tired from handling the wild west conference. The Knicks didn't face nobody close to OKC or Clippers dominance.

[@markouljancic975]

But would that NY team beat clipps, okc and wolves?... i cant see them doing that

[@AlexanderTB6]

naji will replace PJ

[@wilsonflyfish]

This show needs a co host to be good. Too many rant filled solo pods. Love nick but these are too much nick talking as fast as he can. The analysis isn’t bad. It’s just not very entertaining.

[@LockedOnMavericks]

Thanks for listening even when it sucks. EVERYONE LEFT ME ON VACATION

[@williamkent2446]

I enjoy his solo pods a lot 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@southernz]

I like the solo pods more then the co host ones tbh just not much content atm since it’s off season

[@wilsonflyfish]

@@LockedOnMavericks oh wow you saw this!? Now I feel like a jerk. Isaac leaving hurt and I’ve become very fond of slightly. I love the two man banter. 🦝🦝🦝 forever. I must have been sleepy and grumpy this morning. I take it all back.

[@MichaelB12345]

I hope I’m wrong but Quentin’s body language seems disinterested.

[@beastscale1892]

He is just reserved. When you see how hard he plays he definitely need to be chill off the court to balance that blood pumping. It's the same for Kyrie as they are both quick footed with elite agility on that court.