Naji Marshall Just Keeps Making Plays That Matter
New Orleans, La.- Zion Williamson (hamstring), Brandon Ingram (toe), and even CJ McCollum (illness) have spent time on the sidelines due to injury or health and safety protocols. Still, the New Orleans Pelicans (25-17) are sitting in third place out west with just over half the season remaining. It's a credit to the depth of the team, and especially the play of Naji Marshall over the last 21 games.
Marshall's per 100 averages before the season (21.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists) hinted at a player who could handle a slightly bigger role going into his third season.
The self-proclaimed Summer League Champ has taken this new opportunity and run with it. Since Ingram's last appearance in Memphis on Black Friday 2022, Marshall has scored less than 10 points in only 5 games.
In one of those five games, CJ McCollum (42 points) made a franchise-high 11 three-pointers and Williamson added 38 points in a win over Philadelphia. McCollum went for another 40 points against the Spurs. Quiet nights for Marshall usually mean the stars are stealing the show.
Naji Marshall's Since New Year's Day
- 1/11 @ Celtics: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
- 1/9 @ Wizards: 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
- 1/7 @ Dallas: 24 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
- 1/6 vs. Brooklyn: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
- 1/4 vs. Houston: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
- 1/2 @ Philadelphia: 10 points, 5 rebounds
Naji the Knife knows how to do the dirty work that does not show up on the stat sheet. The Xavier product also knows how to stay out of the way of the All-Stars when they are having a hot night.
"Naji is like a Swiss Army knife," Williamson said after a December 11 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns. "He can just do a lot of things very well."
Lately, Marshall has been doing a lot of things very well. Over the last 11 games when both Ingram and Williamson have missed time, Marshall has averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Trey Murphy III and Willy Hernangomez benefited from two highlight reel dimes that had Marshall gesturing to the crowd.
Jose Alvarado has his GTA brand spark off the bench. Marshall brings a different kind of energy to the team as a starter and a reserve. Where Jose is a pest to the likes of Chris Paul, Marshall will serve as the bully on the block ready to punk anyone chirping at his teammates. He's said as much in several post-game press conferences.
“He can lose his cool sometimes,” as well Alvarado said after a 132-112 road win over the Washington Wizards. “But he just cares about the game so much. He wants to be the best version of himself," and especially so when in front of his D.C.-based friends and family.
Ja Morant learned the hard way a few weeks ago. Both Morant and Marshall received technical fouls following the dust-up. Naji the Knife wasn't letting things go after the game either. It was not the first time Marshall was in the middle of a scrum. Marshall and Alvarado were letting the Phoenix Suns hear all about Zion Williamson's 360 Dunk before the benches cleared.
A fully healthy squad leads to Willie Green’s enviable dilemma to shape the best version of this team. There are just too many good players and only so many minutes to go around. The 8th overall pick, Dyson Daniels, and Eurobasket MVP Willy Hernangomez barely get time. Marshall was in the mix of players adding to that headache but now he might just be indispensable.
However things work out this season, Marshall's rise from undrafted rookie to a rotational mainstay on a playoff contender has been remarkable. His NBA career is on an upwards trajectory going into free agency, though it is likely the Pelicans pick up the $1.9 million club option for 2023-24.
And Marshall wouldn't wish for it to have happened in any other city. Undrafted free agents can only expect so much on the first contract. Those playoff game check bonuses add up. So Marshall keeps showing up to represent the city that gave him and chance and continues to have his back.
"I love, just love NOLA personally," Marshall said after that overtime win where Zion gave him the knife nickname. "Those people (fans) love us. You know you love NOLA, and they will love you back. They show it every night."
The declarations of love for New Orleans continued in Washington D.C. Marshall said of his new home from a podium in front of childhood friends and family, “Honestly, it’s just a beautiful situation. Something I prayed for. Couldn’t be in a better situation, honestly. Let me be me. I’m a tough guy. This city is full of tough people. They accept me, and I love them for it.”
Read More Pelicans News:
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- Willie Green Wins Coach of the Month Award
- Smoothie King Center Sell-Outs Now Normal
- Pelicans Fans: NBA All-Star Voting Is Live
- Pelicans Issue Update On Zion Williamson's Injury
- CJ McCollum Shares Thoughts On Injury Bug
