Dallas Mavericks swingman Naji Marshall caused a stir on Sunday by excluding Luka Doncic from his all-time starting lineup for the franchise. Marshall, who signed a three-year, $27 million contract last season and spent nearly half the season playing alongside Doncic, was quick to name five players without including the Slovenian star.
Marshall’s Unexpected All-Time Mavericks Starting Five
After participating in the Swin City League, Marshall was asked by reporters to name his best five-man lineup in Mavericks history. He responded with a roster featuring Jason Kidd, Kyrie Irving, Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tyson Chandler. Each of these players still holds a role within the Mavericks organization, with Kidd serving as head coach, Irving as an active teammate, Finley working in the front office, Chandler acting as an assistant coach, and Nowitzki holding a special advisor position.
This decision to prioritize individuals currently affiliated with the franchise drew immediate criticism from fans, who felt Luka Doncic’s omission was unjustified given his impact on the team during his tenure. Some supporters even directed jokes at Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, hinting that front office decisions might have influenced the snub.
The Emotional Impact of Doncic’s Departure on Marshall
Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last season came as a surprise to many, but it particularly affected Naji Marshall, who had developed a strong bond with the superstar during their time together. Marshall openly admitted feeling hurt by Doncic’s departure, reflecting on their relationship in an interview on The Young Man & The Three podcast last May:
“I was hurt, man. Luka [Doncic] is my dog, for real. And I love AD [Anthony Davis] that’s my guy right there. … Personally, I was just hurt to lose Luka, man. It was a great time spent with him. The short time we did.” —Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks Swingman
It was anticipated that the Mavericks, with the addition of both Marshall and Klay Thompson, alongside core players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, would challenge for another NBA Finals appearance after falling to the Boston Celtics in June 2024. However, the trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers altered the franchise’s trajectory and left the team’s championship prospects uncertain.
What’s Next for Doncic and the Mavericks?
With Luka Doncic now wearing a Lakers uniform and reportedly extending his contract for $228.6 million, the former Maverick could face his previous team in future playoff battles. As Marshall grapples with both the professional and personal consequences of Doncic’s exit, Dallas’s lineup choices and roster moves will remain under heavy scrutiny by fans and analysts alike.
Ultimately, Naji Marshall’s decision to omit Luka from his all-time Mavericks lineup highlights the intense emotions surrounding the superstar’s trade and reflects the shifting dynamics within the franchise as it prepares for the seasons ahead.