Naji Marshall is already impressing Klay Thompson. Marshall, 26, and Thompson, 34, are both newcomers to the Dallas Mavericks, but it’s a refreshing sight to see Marshall, a small forward, making a good first impression on Thompson, a shooting guard who’s also a four-time NBA champion. Thompson’s best known for being one-half of the Splash Brothers alongside Stephen Curry, a point guard, during his 13-year tenure in the Bay Area.
You need to know everything about Marshall’s good first impression of Thompson. Marshall is known for his versatility, playmaking talent, and defensive skills, and is now attracting Thompson’s attention. Read on for further details surrounding the two newcomers in Dallas.
Klay Thompson Comments on Naji Marshall
The Dallas Mavericks finished media day and training day and are now preparing to open the 2024-25 NBA on a positive note. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said he and his coaching staff are focused on getting the newcomers acclimated with the system and terminology. Kidd also said a newcomer has already made a profound impact.
After the first day of training camp, the media asked Klay Thompson what stood out to him. Thompson responded with Mavericks newcomer, Naji Marshall, who previously played for the New Orleans Pelicans and their NBA G League affiliates, the Erie BayHawks and the Birmingham Squadron, from 2020 to 2024.
Thompson told the media, “Naji (Marshall) played incredible … The guy was making floaters, (and) 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.”
Naji Marshall Brings Positivity to Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks upgraded their roster with the acquisitions of Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Quentin Grimes. Marshall brings plenty of versatility and positivity to Dallas, as he can close some games with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in case Thompson cannot do so. Marshall’s defensive effort and newfound three-point shot can help the Mavericks succeed.
Meanwhile, Grimes reportedly received a potential mentor in Thompson, who can help him improve his offensive game. Grimes’ third team in seven months is the Mavericks. But he appears to enjoy his new environment in Dallas, a more familiar place as he’s a native of Houston, and an alumnus of The Woodlands College Park in The Woodlands, Texas.
Naji Marshall’s Previous Experience
Naji Marshall’s previous experience is wishy-washy on paper but can work in his favor in Dallas. Marshall’s one of the newest Dallas Mavericks, and for those who don’t know, he was nicknamed “The Knife” in New Orleans because of his toughness and never-back-down attitude in his New Orleans Pelicans tenure.
Marshall averaged 7.1 points per game while shooting a career-high 38.7% from the three-point line for the Pelicans, a team with plenty of talented wings so Marshall’s playing time was inconsistent. He likely won’t have the same issue in Dallas and can become a regular on the Mavericks’ rotation as a prominent backup to Klay Thompson and PJ Washington.
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