Just a couple months ago, the point guard couldn't get on an NBA roster and was toiling away in the D-League. Now, he's putting up some serious stats.
Marshall, who was the 13th pick in the 2012 draft by the Phoenix Suns, was awful as a rookie. He rarely got into games, and when he did, he didn't produce much, averaging only 3.0 points and 3.0 assists.
To make matters worse, the point guard couldn't shoot with any consistency, hitting only 31.5 percent of his three-pointers and 32.5 percent of all jump shots. Marshall's inability to create for himself consequently made it so he couldn't create for others, leading to an assist percentage of 29.4 percent.
This season has been night and day for the 22-year-old compared to the last. Marshall has found his stroke, hitting a league-leading 47.6 percent of his three-pointers and 41.4 percent of all jump shots. In turn, it's opened up the passing lanes, allowing him to find teammates and increasing his assist percentage to 45.9 percent.
Instead of averaging 3.0 points and 3.0 assists, Marshall is now averaging 10.7 points and 9.8 assists. In short, he's one of the top candidates for the Most Improved Player award.
But one person who isn't impressed is Marshall's head coach, Mike D'Antoni.
As the coach points out, even though Marshall is putting up good numbers, his production isn't really translating to wins. Since "you play to win the game," the fact the point guard is putting up gaudy statistics in losing efforts doesn't mean much.
If anything, it means Marshall isn't a very good player. Or, at least, that's what D'Antoni would have you think.
To a point, the coach is correct. Since Marshall first suited up for the team on Dec. 21, the Lakers are 5-23. That's an abysmal .178 winning percentag...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
