Naji Marshall is out here literally destroying property, and it is not even the regular season yet! The Dallas Mavericks forward just brought down a rim during their first practice session in Macao, China, then for an encore, he broke a folding chair in the arena. Talk about making an entrance overseas.
The “Too Strong” Tour Starts Now
Seriously, this dude is on a rampage. Marshall was loud and proud about his work, flexing to the camera in a video the team dropped on social media. “I’m too strong, and I got too much bounce,” he declared. “I’m sorry, Macao. I’ll buy you another one.” Later, he followed up with, “No disrespect , I think I’m took big for China.” His teammate Dereck Lively II even had to haul the broken rim back to the locker room like it was a prize from a hunting trip. You have to love that kind of swagger, right? Mavs fans are absolutely hoping this destructive mindset translates directly onto the court this year, because if he can take out equipment, imagine what he can do to opponents!
Reunion Energy and What It Means for the Court
Marshall is not just about breaking things; he has the game to back it up. Last season was a career-high for him, averaging 15.2 points on 51% shooting from the field in 29.5 minutes per game. And guess what? He is about to link up with Willie Green again. Green just took over as the lead assistant on Mavericks head coach Dusty May’s staff in July, and Marshall is stoked about it. “Now that Willie, we linked up again, I feel like I’m comfortable,” Marshall told Dallas Sports Journal during training camp. “Going into the season, it makes it much more easier. I feel like easier communication, understanding that we really know each other and he knows how to get to me, I know how to talk to him. So I think it’s beautiful.” Marshall gives Green a ton of credit, saying his coach helped him “be more of a dog,” focusing on what he can control and what helps the team. That kind of comfort and confidence could unlock even more for Marshall this year.
This weekend is when the Mavericks’ preseason schedule officially kicks off. They are set to play the Houston Rockets twice at Macao’s Venetian Arena. Tipoff on Friday is at 7 a.m., with Sunday’s game starting at an ungodly 5 a.m., a true test for any Mavs sicko out there. Both games will be on NBA TV, and the Mavericks are streaming them for anyone who does not have the channel. Get ready to see if Naji Marshall brings that same rim-rocking, chair-smashing energy to the actual games!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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