It’s not just locking up some of the NBA’s best wing scorers that makes one of the new faces on the Dallas Mavericks’ roster Naji Marshall considered tough around the league.
The six-foot-six-inch 16-year-old small forward from Xavier, whose nickname is “The Knife”, told the hosts on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) that his father was a professional boxer back in the day.
“My dad was a professional boxer. He stopped early. He was 3-1. I think he stopped early just to be there for his kids, with me having five brothers, We grew up boxing training. I never really fought, nobody, but almost pursued that career. I’m glad I did it, though,” Marshall said.
Marshall, who spent his first four seasons as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, is known for his defensive prowess and will be a much-needed addition to a Mavericks roster that will be without last year’s defensive specialist Derrick Jones Jr. He signed a three-year, $27 million contract during the summer free agency window to join the Mavs.
Besides his ability to guard at a high level, Marshall also impressed on the offensive end prior to the start of the regular season. Most notably fellow newcomer Maverick Klay Thompson sang the praises of Marshall during training camp.
Klay Thompson said Naji Marshall stood out from today’s practice.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) October 1, 2024
“Naji played incredible. The guy was making floaters, pull-ups. I thought he played really well, I was impressed with Naji. He scored a couple of times on me. His jumper was fluid and his midrange was nice.” pic.twitter.com/iDHOzlNQ75
Marshall, along with Thompson and Quentin Grimes will be making their Mavs debut in the season opener vs. the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night at American Airlines Center.
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