Naji Marshall’s journey from undrafted rookie to a key NBA contributor is a story that inspires basketball fans and young athletes alike. Marshall is making headlines as a reliable small forward for the Dallas Mavericks, known for his defensive grit, hustle, and growing offensive skills. As he enters his fifth NBA season, his career is a testament to perseverance and hard work, earning him both respect on the court and financial rewards off it.
Naji Marshall’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Naji Maurice Marshall |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1998 |
| Age | 27 |
| Education | Xavier University (2017–2020) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2020 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $8–10 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $14,074,209 |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Naji Marshall’s early career is a story of determination, family support, and steady growth as a basketball player. Born on January 24, 1998, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Naji was raised in a large family with five brothers and one sister. His father, Maurice Marshall, was a professional boxer who later became a basketball coach at an elementary school, while his mother, Rayna Whitted, worked at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C.
The values of hard work and discipline were instilled in Naji from a young age, and he started playing both football and basketball as a child. At just nine years old, his family moved to Maryland, where he continued to nurture his love for sports, especially basketball. During his middle school years, he played in Atlantic City’s Triple-B summer youth league, which helped him develop his competitive edge and skills on the court.
Naji began his high school basketball journey at Takoma Academy, where he played his freshman season. However, seeking greater competition and exposure, he transferred to Eleanor Roosevelt High School for his sophomore year.
Unfortunately, he was academically ineligible to play during his first year at Eleanor Roosevelt, but that setback didn’t stop him. He worked hard to improve his grades and, by his senior year, had become a standout player.
As a senior, Naji averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals per game. He led Eleanor Roosevelt to an impressive 23–3 record and delivered a memorable performance by scoring 27 points in the Maryland 4A state semifinals, helping his team defeat Perry Hall High School.
After high school, Naji recognized the need to further improve his academics and basketball skills. He chose to attend Hargrave Military Academy as a postgraduate student. At Hargrave, he continued to shine, averaging 20.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
His time there not only helped him become a more complete player but also prepared him for the academic demands of college. Naji also competed for DC Premier on the AAU circuit, gaining valuable experience against top-tier competition and attracting the attention of college scouts.
Professional Career
Naji Marshall’s professional basketball career is a powerful example of resilience and growth, marked by his journey from undrafted rookie to a valued NBA starter. After not hearing his name called in the 2020 NBA Draft, Marshall signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans in December 2020.
He began his rookie season splitting time between the Pelicans and their G League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks. Marshall made his NBA debut on January 15, 2021, against the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to injuries on the Pelicans roster, he soon found himself receiving significant minutes, and his performance quickly caught the attention of coaches and fans.
By May 2021, his efforts were rewarded with a multi-year contract. Marshall finished his rookie campaign averaging 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, establishing himself as a versatile and energetic presence on the court.
Over the next three seasons with New Orleans, Marshall continued to develop his game and solidify his role as a reliable rotation player. In the 2021–22 season, he spent time with the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, further honing his skills.
That year, he averaged 5.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in the NBA, but his defensive capabilities and hustle stood out. The 2022–23 season marked a turning point, as Marshall played in 77 games and started 21, averaging 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
His ability to guard multiple positions, rebound, and contribute offensively made him a valuable asset for the Pelicans. He also improved his shooting efficiency, posting a 43.3% field goal percentage and nearly 31% from three-point range.
In the 2023–24 season, Marshall continued to be a key part of the Pelicans’ rotation, appearing in 66 games and setting career highs in field goal percentage (46.3%) and three-point percentage (38.7%).
His defensive versatility, energy off the bench, and willingness to do the little things—like diving for loose balls and making the extra pass—earned him the trust of his coaches and teammates. Marshall’s growth as a player was evident in his improved decision-making and increased confidence, both offensively and defensively.
Naji Marshall’s Net Worth Details
Naji Marshall’s net worth is estimated to be between $8 and $10 million as of 2025.
Contract
Naji Marshall signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal is fully guaranteed, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities and his value as a key rotation player. Under this contract, Marshall will earn an average of $9 million per year, with his annual salary increasing slightly each season.
This contract marks a significant step up from his previous deals, rewarding his consistent improvement and important contributions on both ends of the court. Marshall’s new agreement with the Mavericks secures his financial future while giving him an opportunity to continue growing as an NBA player in a prominent role.
Salary
For the 2024–25 NBA season, Naji Marshall is set to earn a base salary of $8,571,429 as part of his three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks. His salary will increase to $9,000,000 for the 2025–26 season and reach $9,428,571 in the final year, 2026–27.
This steady salary growth reflects his rising value in the league and the Mavericks’ commitment to him as a core player. The structured salary increases also provide Marshall with financial stability and reward his continued development and contributions on the court.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | New Orleans Pelicans | $538,391 |
| 2021–22 | New Orleans Pelicans | $1,517,981 |
| 2022–23 | New Orleans Pelicans | $1,782,621 |
| 2023–24 | New Orleans Pelicans | $1,930,681 |
| 2024–25 | Dallas Mavericks | $8,571,429 |
| 2025–26 | Dallas Mavericks | $9,000,000 |
| 2026–27 | Dallas Mavericks | $9,428,571 |
| Total | $32,769,674 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | New Orleans Pelicans | 32 | 10 | 21.9 | 39.2 | 34.9 | 70.7 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 7.7 |
| 2021–22 | New Orleans Pelicans | 55 | 4 | 13.4 | 40.5 | 20.0 | 79.6 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 5.7 |
| 2022–23 | New Orleans Pelicans | 77 | 21 | 23.3 | 43.3 | 30.3 | 78.9 | 3.6 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 9.1 |
| 2023–24 | New Orleans Pelicans | 66 | 1 | 19.0 | 46.3 | 38.7 | 79.1 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 7.1 |
| 2024–25 | Dallas Mavericks | 69 | 31 | 27.8 | 50.8 | 27.5 | 81.3 | 4.8 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 13.2 |
| Career | 299 | 67 | 21.4 | 45.6 | 30.2 | 78.6 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 8.8 |
FAQs
1. Who is Naji Marshall?
Naji Marshall is an American professional basketball player who plays as a small forward for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He was born on January 24, 1998, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Marshall is recognized for his versatility, defensive skills, and ability to contribute across multiple positions on the court.
2. What is Naji Marshall’s background and early life?
Naji Marshall was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and moved to Maryland at age nine. His father, Maurice Marshall, was a professional boxer and later became a basketball coach. Marshall has five brothers and one sister. He played both football and basketball growing up and participated in youth leagues before focusing on basketball in high school.
3. Where did Naji Marshall play college basketball?
Naji Marshall played college basketball at Xavier University from 2017 to 2020. He was a standout performer, earning All-Big East honors in 2020. During his college career, he averaged 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in his junior season and scored a total of 1,277 points over three years.
4. Was Naji Marshall drafted into the NBA?
Naji Marshall went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. Despite not being selected, he signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans and their G League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks, in December 2020. He later earned a multi-year contract with the Pelicans due to his strong performances.
5. Which NBA teams has Naji Marshall played for?
Naji Marshall began his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans, playing from 2020 to 2024. He also played for the Erie BayHawks and Birmingham Squadron in the G League. In July 2024, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks, where he currently plays.
6. What is Naji Marshall’s current contract with the Dallas Mavericks?
Naji Marshall signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2024. The contract is fully guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $9 million. He is under contract with the Mavericks through the 2026-27 NBA season.
7. What are some of Naji Marshall’s career highlights?
Some notable highlights in Naji Marshall’s career include earning First Team All-Big East honors in college, scoring a career-high 38 points with seven rebounds in an NBA game against the New York Knicks in March 2025, and establishing himself as a versatile defender and reliable scorer in the NBA.
8. Has Naji Marshall faced any suspensions or disciplinary actions in his career?
Yes, Naji Marshall was suspended for four games in December 2024 following an on-court altercation with Jusuf Nurkić. This was a significant disciplinary action during his NBA career.
9. What is Naji Marshall’s playing style and strengths?
Naji Marshall is known for his versatility, defensive tenacity, and ability to guard multiple positions. He is praised for his work ethic, strong rebounding, and willingness to improve. Marshall is effective both offensively and defensively, making him a valuable asset to his team.
10. What is Naji Marshall’s age, height, and weight?
Naji Marshall is 27 years old. He stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. These physical attributes contribute to his effectiveness as a small forward in the NBA.
