In the unpredictable game of life, some individuals rise to the occasion with remarkable prowess. Naji Marshall, an American NBA player, exemplifies this spirit by conquering challenges and making a name for himself in professional basketball.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Naji Maurice Marshall
Nick Name	The Knife, Swiss Army Knife
Date of Birth	January 24, 1998
Age	25  years old
Birth Place	Atlantic City, New Jersey
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	African-American
Father’s Name	Maurice Marshall
Mother’s Name	Rayna Whitted
Siblings	Six (Five Brothers & One Sister)
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Height	6 feet 7 inches / 2.01 m / 201 cm
Weight	220 lbs / 100 kg
High School	Hargrave Military Academy
University	Xavier University (2017-2020)
Religion	Christianity
Girlfriend	N/A
Children	None
Profession	Basketball Player
NBA Draft	Undrafted
League	NBA
Position	Small Forward / Power Forward
Team	New Orleans Pelicans (2020-present)
Jersey Number	8
Playing Career	2020-present
Net Worth	$1 Million
Social Media	Twitter, Instagram
Merch	Plaque

Naji Marshall Early Career and NBA Journey

Naji Marshall’s journey to the NBA was far from conventional. In 2020, he defied the odds by going undrafted but subsequently secured a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. This contract allowed him to split his time between the Pelicans and their G-league affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron (formerly Erie BayHawks).

On January 15, 2021, Naji Marshall made his NBA debut in a game against the Lakers, marking the beginning of a promising career. However, his breakout moment came on April 16, 2021, when he recorded a career-high 16 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and three steals against the Washington Wizards. This remarkable performance earned him the distinction of becoming the first undrafted rookie in Pelicans history to achieve a double-double.

Family and Personal Background

Naji Maurice Marshall, born on January 24, 1998, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is the son of Maurice Marshall and Rayna Whitted. His parents are separated, and he has six half-siblings: five brothers (Maurice, Austin, Craig, Tai, and Myles) and a sister named Martia.

His father, Maurice Marshall, had a storied athletic career. He initially excelled in football during his high school years at Pleasantville High School in the mid-80s before transitioning to boxing, where he participated in seven matches. Today, Maurice Marshall is an elementary school basketball coach, passing his love for sports to the next generation.

After his parents’ separation, Naji moved with his mother to Maryland at nine. His mother, Rayna, worked tirelessly, holding two jobs to support her family. She worked as an accounting clerk at a transportation company during the day and as a front desk officer at the GRC (Greenbelt Recreation Center) in the evening. Currently, Rayna works at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., continuing to provide for her family.

Physical Attributes and Tattoos

Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) and weighing 220 pounds (100 kilograms), Naji Marshall possesses a towering presence on the basketball court. His wingspan of 7 feet 0.75 inches (2.15 meters) and standing reach of 8 feet 6.5 inches (2.6 meters) underscore his athleticism.

Maintaining peak physical condition is essential for an NBA player, and Marshall achieves this through regular exercise and a balanced diet. His commitment to the sport is evident not only in his physique but also in his tattoos. Marshall’s body art includes a tattoo on his left arm that reads “Strong Warrior” in Arabic, a lion tattoo on his right arm, and a cross tattoo on his chest.

Education and College Success

Naji Marshall’s journey to the NBA began with a strong foundation in education and basketball. He attended three high schools, starting at Takoma Academy before transferring to Eleanor Roosevelt High School during his sophomore year. In his senior year of HS, Naji scored 17 pts, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals per game.

He further honed his skills during a postgraduate year at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, earning a four-star recruit ranking by ESPN. 

Naji continued his academic and basketball career at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he played for three seasons (2017-2020) under coach Travis Steele. Over his collegiate career, he averaged 12.9 points, totaling 1,277 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, all while majoring in liberal arts and graduating in 2020.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Naji Marshall’s excellence on the basketball court did not go unnoticed during his collegiate career. He earned several awards and recognitions, including:

• 2020 First-team All-Big East

• 2019 Second-team All-Big East

• 2018 Big East All-Freshman Team

These accolades were a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport, setting the stage for his entry into the NBA.

NBA Career and Achievements

Despite being undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, Naji Maurice Marshall’s determination and talent paved the way for his NBA journey. He signed a two-way contract deal with the New Orleans Pelicans in December 2020, allowing him to split his time between them and their G-league affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron.

Marshall made his NBA debut on January 15, 2021, in a game against the Lakers, marking the beginning of a promising career. One of the standout moments of his rookie season came on April 16, 2021, when he recorded a career-high 16 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three steals against the Washington Wizards. This performance established him as the first undrafted rookie in Pelicans history to achieve a double-double.

As of 2023, Naji Marshall continues to shine in the NBA, signing a four-year rest-of-season contract with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021. This contract secures his place in the league through the 2023-24 season, highlighting his value to the team.

Personal Life and Relationships

As of the latest update in 2023, Naji Marshall does not have a publicly known girlfriend, and there are no reports of any alleged relationships in his past. Despite having a significant following on social media, he maintains a relatively low profile and rarely posts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. He is focused on his NBA career, dedicating his time to training and games.

Net Worth and Contracts

Naji Maurice Marshall’s dedication to his craft has propelled his career and contributed to his financial success. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is $1 million, primarily from his NBA contracts.

During his rookie year, Marshall played under a two-way contract with the Pelicans, earning $120,000. However, his career took a significant turn on May 7, 2021, when he signed a rest-of-season contract worth $5.35 million with the Pelicans for four years, with a guaranteed amount of $3.42 million.

In the 2021-22 season, Naji’s salary increased to $1.5 million, a substantial increase compared to his initial contract. His earnings continue to rise, with a paycheck of $1.78 million in the 2022-23 season and a projected $1.93 million in the following season (2023-24).

Interesting Facts

• Naji’s name, “strong warrior” in Arabic, was a nickname given to his father, emphasizing the family’s athletic heritage.

• He proudly prioritizes his faith in God, as evident from his Twitter and Instagram bios, which read “God First.”

• While Naji follows Christianity, his father is Muslim and practices Islam.