Mark Cuban’s Passionate Defense of Naji Marshall
Mark Cuban has always worn his heart on his sleeve when it comes to the Dallas Mavericks. Though he’s no longer the majority owner, his passion for the team remains undiminished. Whether it’s critiquing poor officiating or advocating for his players, Cuban isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts. Recently, he’s turned his attention to Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, who has not only had a solid season but has also stepped up significantly in recent weeks.
Marshall’s Impressive Performance
In the last 16 games, Marshall has put together an impressive stat line, averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, all while shooting an eye-popping 60.9% from the floor. His efficiency inside the paint is particularly noteworthy, as he has maintained a staggering 70.6% shooting percentage throughout the season. Such performances have led Cuban to believe that Marshall deserves serious consideration for the Most Improved Player (MIP) Award.
A Call to Action on Social Media
Taking to Twitter, Cuban made his opinion abundantly clear: “[Naji Marshall] is the MIP. Not even close,” he declared. Cuban also referenced a recent episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast, in which Simmons and Tim Legler discussed players who have made significant improvements this season. Cuban expressed his frustration that Marshall’s name didn’t come up during their conversation.
“Just look at his in-the-paint stats. Plays both ways. Passes. Defends. He lets his game do all the talking. Mavs fans know. Time you all learned!” Cuban tweeted, emphasizing Marshall’s multifaceted contributions to the team.
Cuban’s passionate endorsement highlights his unwavering belief in Marshall’s potential and impact on the Mavericks as they strive for success this season. As the conversation around the MIP award heats up, it’s clear that Cuban sees Marshall as a legitimate contender worthy of recognition.

