Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall demonstrated Thursday why the team chose not to move him at this month’s trade deadline.
As Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal reports, Marshall delivered a standout performance against Sacramento, becoming only the third undrafted player since the 1983/84 season to post at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a single game.
He finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, posting a +3 rating across 42 minutes in a nine-point Dallas loss.
“If healthy, I don’t know if he’s gonna play 42 minutes,” head coach Jason Kidd said while praising Marshall’s effort in a larger role.
“But shorthanded, he’s taken full advantage of his minutes. His ability to get into the paint and finish, get to the free throw line – he led the team in rebounds. He’s doing it all.”
Marshall has played 6 seasons for the Pelicans and Mavericks. He has averaged 9.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 357 regular-season games.
ICYMI: Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. suffered a right ankle sprain on Thursday and has been ruled out of Saturday's contest in Miami, plus more from the Southwest Division. https://t.co/8LasSPR4Vq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 28, 2026
