Naji Marshall's Minutes Shrink Early as Mavericks Open 2026-27 Slow
Naji Marshall is off to a quiet start in his age-28 season with Dallas, with lower scoring and shrinking minutes through his first four games. He's not on the injury report. Last season he averaged 15.2 points over 74 games for the Mavericks.
By the Mavericks Nightly Desk · updated 4 d ago01The story of the nightSlow Start to 2026-27Marshall has four games on the board so far this season.
Marshall has four games on the board so far this season. He scored 16 points in 24.1 minutes in a loss to Houston on Oct. 9, then 14 points in 18.1 minutes in a win over Houston on Oct. 11, with a plus-minus of +8.0, the best mark of the stretch. He followed with 7 points in 14.2 minutes in a loss to New Orleans on Oct. 14, and 6 points in 19.6 minutes in a loss to Atlanta on Oct. 16. His assists have bounced around too, from zero against Houston on Oct. 11 to five against Atlanta. Three of his four outings have been losses, with his plus-minus ranging from -3.0 to -13.0 in those games.
02Last Season's NumbersIn 2025-26, Marshall played in 74 games for Dallas, averaging 29.5 minutes, 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists,…
In 2025-26, Marshall played in 74 games for Dallas, averaging 29.5 minutes, 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.1 blocks. He shot 51.0 percent from the field, 29.1 percent from three and 76.0 percent from the line, for a true shooting mark of 59.2 percent. His usage rate sat at 20.0 percent, and his plus-minus for the season was -2.9. Those numbers made him a steady rotation forward, someone who could put the ball on the floor, finish inside and chip in as a secondary passer. The three-point shot was the clear soft spot in an otherwise efficient season.
03Health Report and BackgroundMarshall is not on the injury report and carries no injury history on file.
Marshall is not on the injury report and carries no injury history on file. He's 28 years old, in his sixth NBA season, out of Xavier. Listed at 6-6 and 220 pounds, he wears No. 3 for Dallas and plays forward. He was already with the Mavericks last season, so there's no team change to account for entering 2026-27. With no health concerns flagged, his availability shouldn't be in question right now — it's his production, not his body, that's the story to track early on.
04What Comes NextFour games in, Marshall's scoring has ranged from 6 to 16 points a night, with his minutes trending down to 19.6 by Oct.
Four games in, Marshall's scoring has ranged from 6 to 16 points a night, with his minutes trending down to 19.6 by Oct. 16 against Atlanta. That's a sharp contrast to the 29.5 minutes and 15.2 points he logged across 74 games last season, workload that gave him room to get to his efficient numbers inside and at the free-throw line. If Dallas wants the same two-way contribution from him this season, that playing-time figure is the one to watch. No rumors are attached to him right now, and no roster move affecting him has surfaced.
Marshall15.2 ppg
Okongwu15.2 ppg
NOP