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Why Mavericks’ Naji Marshall doesn’t like ‘The Knife’ nickname

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints | By Josue Pavon | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Naji Marshall and the Dallas Mavericks are anticipating an exciting 2025-26 campaign, but he would like to change one thing: his nickname, ‘The Knife.’ After Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg’s impressive Summer League play, there is added excitement for the upcoming season. However, before it begins, Marshall lets it be known that he’s ready to take on a new nickname.

Marshall said he doesn’t like ‘The Knife’ as his nickname, per DLL Sports’ Abby Jones.

“We gotta come up with a new one because that’s corny,” Marshall said. “No disrespect.”

Marshall says he’ll leave it to social media to pick his new nickname before offering one that he doesn’t mind.

“The Quarterback is nice,” Marshall said. “But, we gotta come up with some options.”

The Mavericks will begin the 2025-26 campaign without Kyrie Irving, who’s recovering from a torn ACL. However, it will be the first Mavericks training camp for All-Star center Anthony Davis, who was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a blockbuster trade in exchange for Luka Doncic.

Flagg, the Mavericks’ first overall pick in this year’s draft, will make his NBA debut in the fall. After scoring 30 points in his last Summer League outing, many are wondering how his game will translate to the NBA amid his rookie season. Flagg will lean on Mavericks veterans such as Davis, Marshall, and Irving to help him navigate his first year in the association, as Dallas could emerge as a contender in the upper echelon of the Western Conference standings.

Cooper Flagg draws honest review from Mavericks’ Naji Marshall

Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) looks on against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, Mavericks veteran Naji Marshall was already impressed with Cooper Flagg. The league’s first overall pick’s one-and-done year at Duke caught the eyes of many, anticipating a strong rookie campaign for the Mavericks.

Marshall addressed Flagg’s potential via The Young Man & The Three podcast

“I mean, I love his game honestly,” Marshall said of Flagg. “Like, for real… He’s a winner. I love how he hoop… The dog he has. I’m a dog, so that’s what I’m really looking for, and he’s a dog, too; I’m excited, bro; I’m excited to see him grow, become a star in the league; I’m excited.”

For many, Flagg’s growth amid his rookie season with the Mavericks could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit, as the shorthanded team will begin the campaign without its starting point guard, Kyrie Irving.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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