archiveNaji Marshall

DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks Sharpen 2026 NBA Draft Plan Around Cooper Flagg Draft analyst Ersin Demir joined Dallas Hoops Journal to assess how the Dallas Mavericks should use the No. 9 pick, the No. 30 pick, and the second round, with fit around Cooper Flagg as the guiding principle. What...

DHJ Quick Take: The Dallas Mavericks' 2025-26 Season Ends The Playmaking Peak: Ryan Nembhard’s 23 assists didn't just break Jason Kidd’s rookie record—it nearly touched the overall franchise mark. On a night where Dallas dropped 149 points, Nembhard proved he is far more than a two-way developmental piece; he is...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Dallas Mavericks guard Naji Marshall left Tuesday night's 116-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter with a hip contusion, head coach Jason Kidd confirmed after the game. Marshall finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals in 19 minutes before exiting. Kidd...

DHJ Quick Take: Grit in the Face of a Disastrous Start The 24-2 Hole: Dallas opened the game shooting just 2-of-13 while the Los Angeles Clippers hit nearly everything, building a 23-point lead in the first six minutes. Operating without Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford, the Mavericks' patchwork...

DHJ Quick Take: Collective Excellence The Turnover Turnaround: The Mavericks committed just seven turnovers—their lowest mark of the season—including a turnover-free fourth quarter. Jason Kidd noted that this discipline allowed Dallas to maintain offensive rhythm and maximize the impact of Cooper Flagg as a primary initiator. The Transition Weapon: Dallas...

DHJ Quick Take: The Blueprint for Success Systematic Execution: P.J. Washington identified Sunday’s 134-point performance as the "blueprint" for the Dallas Mavericks. He credited their success to being "organized" and bringing specific defenders into the pick-and-roll to create high-value looks for Cooper Flagg and the supporting cast. Rhythm & Flow:...

DHJ Quick Take: Cooper Flagg's Shooting Display The Breakout: Cooper Flagg’s 51-point performance against Orlando was a tactical pivot, not just a scoring outburst. By hitting a career-high six threes, Flagg dismantled the "pack the paint" blueprint defenses have used against him all season. The Tech: Only 10% of Flagg's...

DHJ Quick Take: Cooper Flagg's Growth & Khris Middleton Effect The Veteran Blueprint: While Cooper Flagg's 51-point night made history, the foundation was laid during pregame warmups with Khris Middleton. Since the trade deadline, Middleton has transitioned from teammate to technical consultant, working hands-on with Flagg on post technique and...

DHJ Quick Take: Magic vs. Mavericks Snapping the Skid: Dallas enters tonight’s matchup looking to halt a 13-game home losing streak. The Mavericks haven’t tasted victory at American Airlines Center since Jan. 22, and with Luka Dončić and the Lakers looming on Sunday, snapping the skid against Orlando is a...

DHJ Quick Take Shorthanded Rotation: The Dallas Mavericks will be without six players against the Minnesota Timberwolves, including late scratches P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall (illness), plus Marvin Bagley III (shoulder). Gafford Returns: In a vital boost to the frontcourt, Daniel Gafford has been cleared to play after a two-game...