Naji Marshall biography highlights the rise of an undrafted NBA star, detailing his net worth, gritty quotes, early life, accomplishments, and Mavericks journey.
Naji Marshall is an American professional basketball player, a small forward for the Dallas Mavericks, whose hustle and heart have carved a unique path from undrafted obscurity to NBA relevance. Known for his defensive edge and breakout 2024–25 season, he’s emerged as a key rotation player, recently spotlighted for a 38-point career-high against the Knicks.
This Naji Marshall biography explores his net worth, age, notable quotes, early life, education, Wikipedia presence, accomplishments, resilient parents, career achievements, and awards. Whether you’re a Mavericks fan or inspired by underdog stories, this profile captures Marshall’s relentless spirit.
Naji Marshall Biography
Naji Marshall’s biography is a testament to perseverance. Born in 1998 and thriving as of April 10, 2025, he’s gone from Atlantic City’s streets to Dallas’s hardwood, defying odds after going undrafted in 2020. At 27, he’s averaging career highs in his fifth NBA season, blending tenacity with skill—evidenced by his March 25, 2025, outburst against New York. Here, we’ll dive into his journey, from a boxer’s son to a Mavericks mainstay, spotlighting his rise.
| Field | Summary of Naji Marshall Biography |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated at $5–10 million as of 2025, from NBA contracts, endorsements, and bonuses. |
| Age | Born January 24, 1998; now 27, in his prime NBA years. |
| Quotes | Known for “I’m blessed to be here. All glory to God,” reflecting his faith-fueled drive. |
| Early Life | Born in Atlantic City, NJ, raised in D.C.’s tough neighborhoods by a boxer dad and healthcare mom. |
| Education | Attended Xavier University (2017–2020), left after junior year for NBA; no degree, All-Big East honors. |
| Wikipedia | Noted as Mavericks forward, undrafted 2020 success, suspended 2024 for Suns brawl. |
| Accomplishments | Signed $27M Mavs deal, hit career-high 38 points (2025), joined elite scoring club vs. Knicks. |
| Parents | Son of Maurice Marshall, ex-boxer, and Rayna Whitted, healthcare worker; fifth of seven siblings. |
| Career Achievements | Averaging 13.2 PPG (2024–25), two-way Pelicans start, key Mavs role post-Doncic trade. |
| Awards | All-Big East First Team (2020), Big East All-Freshman (2018), no major NBA awards yet. |
Key Takeaways
- Marshall’s undrafted-to-star arc is a rare NBA feat.
- His 2024–25 season showcases newfound scoring prowess.
- A December 2024 brawl suspension adds edge to his rep.
Early Life: Grit from the Ground Up
Naji Maurice Marshall was born on January 24, 1998, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Maurice Marshall, a former boxer turned maintenance worker, and Rayna Whitted, a healthcare professional. Fifth of seven siblings, he moved to Washington, D.C.’s Parkside projects at seven, facing street life early—arrested at 12, he told The Athletic (2024). Basketball became his refuge, starring at Eleanor Roosevelt and H.D. Woodson High Schools, mentored by Maurice’s fighting spirit and Rayna’s quiet strength.
Education: College Ball, No Diploma
Marshall’s education centered on hoops. After prep school at Hargrave Military Academy, he joined Xavier University (2017–2020), playing three seasons. Named Big East All-Freshman (2017–18), All-Big East Second Team (2018–19), and First Team (2019–20), he averaged 16.8 points as a junior before skipping his senior year for the 2020 NBA Draft. Undrafted, he left without a degree, betting on pro ball.
Career Achievements: From G-League to Glory
Pelicans Proving Ground
Undrafted in 2020, Marshall signed a two-way deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, debuting December 27, 2020. From G-League stints with the Erie BayHawks, he earned a multi-year contract by 2021, averaging 7.7 points in 2022–23. His scuffle with Jimmy Butler (February 2023) and 47.8% 3-point shooting post-incident showed his fire.
Mavericks Move
Joining Dallas in July 2024 on a three-year, $27 million deal, Marshall’s role surged after Luka Dončić’s February 2025 trade to the Lakers. Averaging 13.2 points through April 10, 2025 (per ESPN), he erupted for 38 points on 17/25 shooting against the Knicks (March 25), joining LeBron, Kobe, and Dončić in rare first-half scoring history.
On-Court Edge
A December 27, 2024, brawl with Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkić—earning a four-game suspension—underscored his nickname “The Knife.” His latest stat line (April 9 vs. Clippers: 23 points, 8 assists) highlights his growing playmaking.
Net Worth: Hustle Pays Off
Marshall’s net worth is estimated at $5–10 million as of 2025. His $9 million annual Mavs salary, past Pelicans earnings ($5.8 million total), and minor endorsements (e.g., Nike) build his fortune. The December 2024 suspension cost him $147,963, but his trajectory suggests more ahead.
Quotes: Faith and Fight
Marshall’s quotes reveal his soul: “I’m blessed to be here. All glory to God” (2025, EssentiallySports), “I just try to make [my dad] proud” (same), and “Whatever it takes” (The Athletic, 2024). They echo his spiritual and scrappy core.
Accomplishments: Rising Star
Marshall’s accomplishments include his $27 million Mavs deal, a 38-point career-high, and elite company with a 13-field-goal first half vs. the Knicks. His 17 rebounds vs. Grizzlies (March 9, 2025) made him the 21st Maverick with a 25-point, 15-rebound game.
Parents and Family Life
Maurice, a boxer who fought at Madison Square Garden, and Rayna, a healthcare worker, raised Naji amid D.C.’s challenges. With six siblings—Maurice Jr., Malik, Mark, Mikia, Myles, and an unnamed sister—he credits family for his toughness. Single with no kids, he’s tight with his nephews and nieces.
Awards and Recognition
Marshall’s awards are college-centric: All-Big East First Team (2020), Second Team (2019), All-Freshman (2018). No NBA honors yet, but his Knicks performance earned buzz, with Wikipedia noting his undrafted rise and 2024 suspension.
Conclusion
Naji Marshall’s biography is an underdog epic. From Atlantic City to Dallas, his net worth reflects a solid career, but his real wealth is his grit—38 points against the Knicks, a brawl-born edge, and faith-driven hustle. At 27, he’s just heating up.
FAQs About Naji Marshall
- What is Naji Marshall’s most famous quote?
“I’m blessed to be here. All glory to God” (2025) sums up his faith-fueled journey. - Where did Naji Marshall grow up?
Born in Atlantic City, NJ, he was raised in Washington, D.C.’s Parkside projects. - What are Naji Marshall’s major accomplishments?
Signed a $27M Mavs deal, hit 38 points vs. Knicks, joined elite scoring history. - What is Naji Marshall’s net worth?
Estimated at $5–10 million in 2025, from NBA contracts and endorsements. - When did Naji Marshall join the Dallas Mavericks?
He signed a three-year, $27 million deal in July 2024, boosting his role midseason.
