New Orleans, LA- Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado are the first names most fans think of when asked to name the often-overlooked talent who made a name for themselves with the New Orleans Pelicans. Naj Marshall started blazing a two-way street after not being selected in his 2020 NBA Draft. His NBA debut came on January 15, 2021 when he averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in his only season with Van Gundy in charge.
Marshall’s development may be one of the only bright spots of the season. His determination and willingness to overcome pain and even blood was outstanding. It took a while, but Marshall’s rise from undrafted free agent to Swiss Army knife starter for the New Orleans Pelicans brought him a career night with a win over the Indiana Pacers.
Head coach Willie Green was not surprised to see a night like this coming from Marshall. I know I can count on Marshall to always be there.
“I know how much work went into the preparation,” Green said. “Nagy is one of the first guys in summer league since I got here.” I work watching movies every day.Our medical performance team makes our players stronger and ready to play when the time comes.Thank you for all the work that has gone into this. It’s one of those games that a lot of players go into, and we just step up and take advantage of it. ”
Marshall’s final stat line (22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block) does not justify the amount of energy he brings to the game. Nor does it show how much he boasts to his Smoothie King center audience. Normally, Jose Alvarado’s appearance in the game would bring a bit of liveliness to the building, but with injury reports listing eight players, Alvarado was needed on the court in the opening chip.
Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy III were all ruled out before the match. Marshall, like Alvarado, was in the starting five. But midway through the second quarter, as the Pelicans began to pull away from the Pacers, Marshall’s confidence began to turn to entertaining the crowd.
Like the packed Smoothie King Center crowd, Larry Nance Jr. noticed.with Jackson Hayes Nance Jr. both turned binocular eyes Marshall after a big play.
Dunks and flashy passes aren’t the only things that attract spectators. The game is almost over with 92-64 with just over 10 minutes remaining. Nagy didn’t stop trying. The Pelicans had already brought too many teams back into the game and a minimal crew didn’t have to make things difficult, so Marshall added his defensive highlight to Lille.
Marshall insists at a press conference. His defense and willingness to fight for his teammates regardless of score, team record, or individual circumstances are the biggest reasons he sticks to his NBA roster. Now, the former Xavier Musketeers have been given some of the toughest duties, and their victory over the Pacers was no exception.
Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton is on All-Star pace, averaging 20.7 points and 10.5 assists. Halliburton he finished with 12 points and at halftime he had just 7 on 2/8 shooting. Marshall’s versatility allowed Myles to face Turner on several occasions, but the Pacers scored only 38 points in the first half.
“That’s what matters to us,” Green said. To be sustainable, we must continue to work and build a defensive base. Our attacks can come and go. We didn’t shoot well tonight, but we defended well.”
Marshall added: we love to do this we love games I just started exercising a bit and I think I’m hooked. We just stay at the gym. Basketball is everything to us. ”
Everything is basketball, but basketball is work. Still, Marshall said, “I enjoy every day, whether it’s practice or my off days. I get paid to do what I love most in the world. So I have a great group, a great coaching staff and a great front office.” I enjoy being surrounded by.Every day is easy.I mean I have so much fun that I don’t need anymore.It’s just a normal day.So definitely having a lot of fun.
December 26, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. New Orleans Pelicans forward Nagy Marshall (8) dribbled against Indiana Pacers guard Benedict Maturin (00) and forward Terry Taylor (21) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. ing. Mandatory credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t be surprised if these Career Night-type games become a regular occurrence for Marshall. It’s been a long season, but he’s battled through all the nonsense and proven he can focus on what really matters.
and pass by his post-match comments come off the courtpeople who are late to the party may not be welcome at all.