Naji Marshall Embraces Transition to Mavericks and Life in Dallas: ‘I Just Love It Here’
Naji Marshall reflects on his journey from New Orleans to Dallas, embracing his role with the Mavericks and his love for the fans and city: “I just love it here.”
DALLAS — For Naji Marshall, Tuesday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans was about more than just basketball. As the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a dominant 132-91 victory in an NBA Cup matchup, Marshall reflected on the four seasons he spent with the Pelicans—a formative period that shaped his rise in the league.
“It’s a blessing. To see those guys healthy, moving—it’s amazing, really,” Marshall said. “I spent four years with those guys, putting in a lot of work together. To finally compete against them is something you can’t even picture.”
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Before tipoff, Marshall went to the Pelicans’ bench, sharing hugs and handshakes with his former teammates and coaches. It was a poignant moment for a player who credits much of his development to his time in New Orleans.
Stepping Up in Dallas
Marshall finished the game with 15 points, three rebounds, and three steals—most of his scoring in the fourth quarter. Since signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Mavericks this past offseason, Marshall has carved out a meaningful role on a team with championship aspirations. He’s averaged 8.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in 23.8 minutes per game this season, starting four times while providing consistent effort on both ends of the court.
Though his three-point shooting has struggled—just 4-of-30 from beyond the arc this season—Marshall’s defensive intensity and ability to make timely plays have drawn praise. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, attack the basket, and provide secondary playmaking, making him a vital piece in Jason Kidd’s rotation.
“Just doing our job,” Marshall said of the Mavericks’ performance against the Pelicans. “Everybody hit shots, everybody defended, everybody ran the floor tonight. That’s what you should expect out of us. When we do our job, we’re pretty good.”
Gratitude for New Orleans
Facing the Pelicans allowed Marshall to reflect on the organization that gave him his first NBA opportunity. Undrafted out of college, he worked his way into a regular rotation role, earning the trust of coaches and teammates with his hustle and tenacity. He credited Pelicans head coach Willie Green for helping him and his teammates—Jose Alvarado, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III—grow into reliable NBA players.
“When Coach Green took over, he had conversations with all of us,” Marshall said. “He told us we were setting the example for the next generation of players. That stuck with me.”
Reflecting on his former teammates, Marshall couldn’t help but express pride in their shared journey. “To see all of us doing well now, getting minutes, and contributing—it’s a blessing,” he said. “Coach Green saw the vision early.”
Marshall also enjoyed a brief on-court reunion with Trey Murphy III, who returned recently from injury. “Trey is one of my best friends to this day, on and off the court,” Marshall said. “We talk almost every day. Being out there with him felt good—even though he got me in foul trouble, I was kind of mad about that.”
Adapting to New Challenges
Marshall’s role in Dallas requires him to play alongside superstars like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, whose dynamic abilities demand complementary impact from the supporting cast. Marshall has embraced the challenge, using his defensive versatility and high basketball IQ to thrive.
“Playing with guys like Luka and Kyrie is different,” Marshall said. “They draw so much attention, and I’ve learned how to make the most of the opportunities that come from that. It’s a learning process, but I feel like I’m growing every game.”
Marshall also highlighted Dončić’s often-overlooked defensive impact. “First Team All-Defense, that’s it,” he joked. “He knows the game and what he’s doing out there. He definitely can defend.”
Building for the Future
While Tuesday’s game may have lacked competitive tension, it marked a significant milestone for Marshall. It was a night of reflection, gratitude, and looking forward to new goals with the Mavericks.
“I’m so grateful for my time in New Orleans and everything they did for me,” Marshall said. “But I’m focused on the future now. I want to keep building here in Dallas and help this team achieve big things.”
Marshall’s transition to the Mavericks has been seamless not only on the court but also in his day-to-day life in Dallas. The 25-year-old has quickly embraced his new city and its fans, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support he’s received.
“It’s kind of overwhelming,” Marshall said. “There’s so much love—it feels like it’s never going to end. The fans are amazing, and the city is amazing. I just love it here, honestly, from all aspects, on and off the court.”
This appreciation has fueled his drive to make an impact in Dallas, both as a player and a part of the community. “I’m just looking forward to building here and being a great player,” he added.
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