Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Naji Marshall is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Born on January 24, 1998, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, his full name is Naji Maurice Marshall. Known for his defensive toughness, versatility and ability to contribute offensively, he began his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans before joining Dallas in 2024. Beyond his achievements on the basketball court, fans are interested in Naji Marshall’s family, particularly his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Marshall comes from a large family with strong connections to sports. His father, Maurice Marshall, is a former professional boxer who later worked as an engineer and basketball coach, while his mother, Rayna Whitted, worked in the healthcare industry. His official college basketball biography identifies six siblings: Maurice, Martia, Craig, Tai, Austin and Myles. His brother Tai also played college basketball at Bowie State University. Although his parents and siblings have been documented in official records, Marshall has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Naji Marshall’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Naji Marshall has maintained a relatively private romantic life despite becoming an established NBA player and attracting increasing attention through his performances with the Dallas Mavericks.
Although fans frequently search for information about Naji Marshall’s girlfriend, there is currently no reliable public confirmation identifying a romantic partner.
The American forward has primarily used his public appearances and social media platforms to highlight basketball, professional achievements, training sessions and experiences with teammates.
Unlike some NBA players who regularly share photographs with their romantic partners, Marshall has not publicly introduced a girlfriend through a widely verified announcement or interview.
There is also no reliable information confirming that he is engaged or married.
During interviews about his basketball career, Marshall has frequently discussed his upbringing, his parents’ work ethic and the importance of family support.
However, he has generally avoided discussing his dating history or current romantic relationships.
His decision to maintain privacy means that little verified information is available about this aspect of his personal life.
As of now, Naji Marshall has no publicly confirmed girlfriend or wife. His current relationship status remains undisclosed.
Naji Marshall’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Naji Marshall has children. The Dallas Mavericks forward has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biographies do not identify any children.
Although Marshall has participated in community basketball activities involving children, these appearances should not be confused with information about his own family.
For example, in October 2024, he joined Luka Dončić and Daniel Gafford at a Jr. NBA basketball clinic in West Dallas, where they interacted with young basketball players.
Marshall spoke positively about spending time with children and encouraging their interest in the sport.
During his years with the New Orleans Pelicans, he also discussed teammate Jose Alvarado’s relationship with his daughters in a team interview about parenting and babysitting.
However, neither of these examples confirms that Marshall is a father.
As of now, Naji Marshall has no publicly confirmed children. The absence of public reporting does not establish details about aspects of his private life that he has chosen not to disclose.
Naji Marshall’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Naji Marshall’s parents are Maurice Marshall and Rayna Whitted. Both have played important roles in his upbringing and development as a professional basketball player.
Marshall was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but moved to Maryland when he was approximately nine years old.
His father brought experience from professional boxing, while his mother worked in healthcare and other occupations to support the family.
Their dedication and work ethic became important influences on Marshall’s attitude toward basketball.
Naji Marshall’s Father: Maurice Marshall
Maurice Marshall is Naji Marshall’s father and a former professional boxer who competed during the 1990s.
Before entering boxing, Maurice also played football at Pleasantville High School in New Jersey.
He eventually developed an interest in boxing and pursued a brief professional career.
During an October 2018 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Naji discussed his father’s experience as a professional fighter.
He explained that Maurice had competed professionally but eventually decided to leave boxing because of family responsibilities and the physical effects of the sport.
According to Naji, his father’s professional boxing record included three victories, one defeat and one draw.
He also recalled that his father had experienced headaches and other difficulties associated with the punishment boxers receive during their careers.
Although Maurice stopped competing professionally, his background in boxing contributed to his understanding of discipline, determination and physical preparation.
These values became important parts of Naji’s basketball development.
Following his boxing career, Maurice pursued work outside professional sports.
In January 2018, WCPO reported that he had become an engineer.
Xavier University’s official basketball media guide also identified Maurice as a former boxer who was working as an engineer at the time.
Other reporting has associated him with coaching basketball at the elementary school level.
His varied professional experiences demonstrated the importance of adapting to new responsibilities and maintaining a strong work ethic.
During an October 2020 interview with Babcock Hoops, Naji discussed how watching his parents work influenced his approach to basketball.
He recalled that both worked long hours and sometimes maintained multiple jobs to provide opportunities for their children.
Their dedication encouraged him to invest similar effort in his basketball training.
Why Is Naji Marshall Named After His Father?
Naji Marshall’s name has an interesting connection to his father’s background.
His full name is Naji Maurice Marshall, while his father’s name is Maurice Marshall.
During his 2018 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Naji explained that his father also used the name Naji, which has Arabic origins.
He described the name as meaning a strong warrior or survivor, reflecting ideas of strength and resilience.
According to the interview, Maurice used Naji as an additional name, and the family subsequently gave it to his son.
The connection between their names reflects the close relationship between father and son.
It also provides an interesting background to the basketball player’s personal identity.
Naji Marshall’s Father Accompanies Him to China in 2026
The relationship between Naji Marshall and his father remained visible as recently as October 2026.
During the Dallas Mavericks’ preseason visit to Macao, China, Maurice accompanied his son on the international trip.
In an October 7, 2026 interview reported by Dallas Sports Journal, Marshall expressed his excitement about experiencing China for the first time with his father.
He explained that both were visiting a destination far from their home in the United States and appreciated the opportunity to explore a different culture together.
The Mavericks traveled to China to participate in preseason games against the Houston Rockets.
Although Marshall was primarily focused on preparing for the new NBA season, having his father present made the trip particularly meaningful.
The occasion provided another public example of the family connection that has remained important throughout his professional career.
Naji Marshall’s Mother: Rayna Whitted
Naji Marshall’s mother is Rayna Whitted, who played an important role in raising and supporting him during his childhood in New Jersey and Maryland.
Rayna worked in several occupations to provide financial stability for her family.
According to reporting published by the Cincinnati Enquirer in October 2018, she worked at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Other biographical reporting has described her earlier employment in administrative positions, including work connected to transportation services and recreation facilities.
Her dedication to supporting the household helped Naji understand the importance of responsibility and persistence.
During an October 2020 interview with Babcock Hoops, Marshall discussed how both of his parents regularly worked long hours.
He explained that observing their commitment encouraged him to approach basketball with the same determination.
Rather than expecting success without effort, he learned that progress required patience, discipline and consistent work.
Rayna also provided emotional support during his transition from high school to college basketball.
When Marshall joined Xavier University in 2017, he moved away from the Washington, D.C., area to Cincinnati, Ohio.
Although he was excited about beginning his NCAA career, living away from his family required adjustment.
In January 2018, Marshall told WCPO that he particularly missed his mother.
He described himself as a mother’s boy and explained that he communicated with Rayna every day.
Even after basketball games, he would exchange messages with her about his performances.
According to Marshall, his mother sometimes offered basketball advice, including suggestions about which shots he should take during games.
These conversations demonstrated that Rayna followed her son’s basketball career closely and remained involved in his development.
Her support helped him adjust to college life while pursuing his long-term ambition of becoming a professional player.
As of now, Rayna Whitted remains one of the most clearly documented figures in Naji Marshall’s family background.
Naji Marshall’s Siblings: Meet His Brothers and Sister
Naji Marshall grew up in a large family with several brothers and a sister.
His official Xavier University basketball biography names six siblings: Maurice, Martia, Craig, Tai, Ausin and Myles.
The Dallas Mavericks’ official media guide identifies the same six siblings but spells Ausin’s name as Austin.
Additionally, the official Bowie State University basketball biography of his brother Tai lists other family members named Tian, Jai and Jacque.
Because the two university records list different numbers of siblings, the family’s complete sibling count cannot be established with certainty from the available biographies alone.
However, at least six siblings are directly documented in Naji’s own college and NBA records.
Tai Marshall – Naji Marshall’s Basketball-Playing Brother
Tai Marshall is one of Naji Marshall’s brothers and a former college basketball player at Bowie State University in Maryland.
His full name is Tai Malik Marshall.
Like Naji, Tai developed an interest in basketball and competed at a high level during his education.
He attended Laurel High School in Maryland, where he established himself as a basketball player.
During the 2012–13 high school basketball season, Tai received his team’s Most Valuable Player award.
After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Bowie State University and joined the Bulldogs men’s basketball program.
Standing approximately 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds during his college career, Tai played primarily as a forward and center.
He represented Bowie State across multiple seasons between 2013 and 2018.
During the 2017–18 season, he was listed as a senior on the university’s basketball roster.
Tai also participated in community activities, including serving as a counselor at youth basketball camps.
His official college biography identified athletic administration as one of his career ambitions.
Following his playing career, Tai became involved in basketball coaching.
Bowie State’s athletics website has listed him as an assistant coach in the university’s men’s basketball program.
His experience in college basketball reflects another sporting connection within the Marshall family.
Both brothers developed their skills through basketball programs in the Mid-Atlantic region before pursuing different professional opportunities.
While Naji eventually established himself in the NBA, Tai remained connected to basketball through collegiate competition and coaching.
Maurice Marshall – Naji Marshall’s Brother
Maurice Marshall is another of Naji Marshall’s publicly documented brothers.
His name appears in Naji’s official Xavier University biography and the Dallas Mavericks’ basketball media guide.
He is also identified as a sibling in Tai Marshall’s official Bowie State University basketball biography.
However, Maurice has generally maintained a private life outside the public attention surrounding Naji’s NBA career.
Reliable sources provide limited information about his age, education, occupation or personal relationships.
Although he shares his name with their father, Maurice Marshall, there is insufficient public information to establish additional details about his individual background.
As of now, Maurice remains one of Naji Marshall’s officially documented brothers.
Craig Marshall – Naji Marshall’s Brother
Craig Marshall is another member of Naji Marshall’s family.
His name appears in official player biographies published by Xavier University and Bowie State University.
Unlike Naji and Tai, who attracted attention through their basketball careers, Craig has largely remained outside the sporting spotlight.
His educational background, professional activities and current residence have not been reliably established through widely available public reporting.
Although Naji has occasionally discussed growing up in a large family, he has not publicly shared extensive details about Craig’s personal life.
As of now, Craig Marshall remains one of his publicly documented brothers.
Austin Marshall – Naji Marshall’s Brother
Austin Marshall is another of Naji Marshall’s brothers.
His name appears in the Dallas Mavericks’ official media guide, which identifies the player’s siblings as Maurice, Martia, Craig, Tai, Austin and Myles.
Some older Xavier University records spell his name as Ausin.
Bowie State University’s biography of Tai Marshall also identifies Austin among his brothers.
These records establish Austin’s family connection, although additional personal information about him remains limited.
There is no widely verified reporting detailing his educational background, occupation or professional sporting activities.
As of now, Austin remains one of Naji Marshall’s publicly identified siblings.
Myles Marshall – Naji Marshall’s Brother
Myles Marshall is another of Naji Marshall’s brothers.
He is identified in official basketball biographies from Xavier University, Bowie State University and the Dallas Mavericks.
Although he belongs to the same sports-oriented family, Myles has not received significant public attention through a documented professional basketball career.
Reliable sources provide limited information about his age, education and occupation.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to associate him with a particular career or sporting achievement without supporting evidence.
As of now, Myles Marshall remains one of Naji Marshall’s publicly documented brothers.
Martia Marshall – Naji Marshall’s Sister
Martia Marshall is Naji Marshall’s publicly documented sister.
Her name appears in Xavier University’s official player biography and the Dallas Mavericks’ basketball media guide.
She is also listed as Tai Marshall’s sister in his official Bowie State University basketball biography.
Unlike her brothers Naji and Tai, who pursued competitive basketball careers, Martia has maintained a relatively private personal life.
There is limited reliable information about her educational background, professional occupation or relationships.
Although the Marshall family has attracted attention through Naji’s NBA achievements, Martia has not been extensively profiled by major sports publications.
As of now, Martia Marshall is the only sister explicitly identified in Naji’s official college and NBA player biographies.
Does Naji Marshall Have Other Siblings?
There is additional information about the Marshall family in Bowie State University’s official biography of Tai Marshall.
That biography names brothers Tian, Jai and Jacque alongside Craig, Maurice, Naji, Austin and Myles, as well as sister Martia.
However, those three additional names do not appear in Naji’s official Xavier University player biography or the Dallas Mavericks’ media guide.
The difference may reflect how the biographies were compiled or which family relationships the players chose to identify.
Without additional clarification, it is not possible to establish the exact number of siblings or the nature of every relationship within the extended family.
What is firmly documented is that Naji comes from a large family and has several brothers, including former Bowie State basketball player Tai Marshall, and a sister named Martia.
How Naji Marshall’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Naji Marshall’s family played an important role in his development from a young athlete in Atlantic City to an established NBA professional.
His father’s background in professional boxing introduced him to the importance of toughness, preparation and discipline.
His mother demonstrated the value of hard work through her dedication to supporting the family.
Growing up with several siblings also meant that Naji experienced life in a busy household before moving to Maryland.
During his childhood, Marshall participated in both football and basketball.
He eventually developed a stronger interest in basketball and began pursuing opportunities to improve his skills.
As a young player in Atlantic City, he participated in the Triple-B summer youth basketball league, which helped introduce him to organized competition.
After moving to Maryland, he attended Takoma Academy before transferring to Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt.
At Eleanor Roosevelt, he developed into an accomplished high school basketball player under head coach Brendan O’Connell.
During his senior season, Marshall averaged approximately 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals per game.
He also helped the school win the Maryland Class 4A state championship.
Although he demonstrated considerable basketball talent, Marshall faced academic challenges that affected his early recruiting opportunities.
Rather than immediately attending college, he decided to complete a postgraduate year at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia.
The experience helped him improve academically, develop physically and prepare for NCAA Division I basketball.
During the 2016–17 season, he averaged 20.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game at Hargrave.
His performances attracted scholarship offers from several major college basketball programs.
Marshall ultimately committed to Xavier University, where he began his college basketball career in 2017.
He quickly established himself as an important contributor and earned Big East All-Freshman Team recognition after his first season.
During the 2018–19 season, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, earning All-Big East Second Team honors.
He improved further during the 2019–20 season, averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
His performances earned him a place on the All-Big East First Team.
After three seasons at Xavier, Marshall declared for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Although he was not selected, his determination eventually helped him secure a professional opportunity.
In December 2020, he signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
He made his NBA debut on January 15, 2021, against the Los Angeles Lakers.
As he developed, Marshall became known for his defensive versatility, strong physical approach and willingness to compete against some of the league’s most talented players.
His contributions earned him a standard NBA contract with New Orleans in May 2021.
After four seasons with the Pelicans, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks on July 6, 2024.
His arrival provided Dallas with another versatile forward capable of defending multiple positions and contributing to the team’s offense.
During the 2025–26 season, Marshall established new career highs, averaging 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
His improved performances helped him secure a multi-year contract extension with Dallas on August 2, 2026.
The agreement represented another important achievement for a player who entered the NBA without being selected in the draft.
Throughout his professional journey, Marshall has continued emphasizing the importance of the work ethic he learned from his parents.
His decision to bring his father to China during the Mavericks’ October 2026 preseason trip demonstrated that family remains part of his life as a professional basketball player.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naji Marshall’s Family
Who is Naji Marshall’s girlfriend?
Naji Marshall has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend through reliable reporting. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Naji Marshall married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Naji Marshall is married or has a wife.
Does Naji Marshall have children?
Naji Marshall has no publicly confirmed children. He has not announced having a son or daughter.
Who are Naji Marshall’s parents?
His parents are Maurice Marshall, a former professional boxer who later worked as an engineer, and Rayna Whitted, who worked in healthcare and other occupations.
Who is Naji Marshall’s father?
His father is Maurice Marshall, a former professional boxer who competed during the 1990s. He later worked as an engineer and has also been associated with basketball coaching.
Who is Naji Marshall’s mother?
His mother is Rayna Whitted, who worked at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. She played an important role in supporting his education and basketball career.
How many siblings does Naji Marshall have?
Naji Marshall’s official college and NBA biographies identify six siblings. However, his brother Tai’s Bowie State University biography names additional brothers, so the exact total requires clarification.
Who are Naji Marshall’s brothers?
His official Xavier University biography names Maurice, Craig, Tai, Ausin and Myles as his brothers. The Dallas Mavericks’ media guide spells Ausin as Austin. Tai’s college biography also lists brothers named Tian, Jai and Jacque.
Who is Naji Marshall’s sister?
Naji Marshall’s sister is Martia Marshall. Her name appears in official basketball biographies from Xavier University, Bowie State University and the Dallas Mavericks.
Is Naji Marshall’s brother also a basketball player?
Yes. His brother Tai Malik Marshall played college basketball at Bowie State University, where he competed as a forward and center. He has also been listed as a basketball assistant coach at the university.
Was Naji Marshall’s father a professional boxer?
Yes. Maurice Marshall competed professionally in boxing during the 1990s before pursuing other occupations, including engineering.
What does Naji Marshall’s name mean?
Naji is a name of Arabic origin associated with survival or rescue. Marshall explained in a 2018 interview that the name came from his father and was connected to the idea of a strong warrior or survivor.
Where is Naji Marshall from?
Naji Marshall was born on January 24, 1998, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He moved to Maryland at approximately nine years old and attended high school in the Washington, D.C., area.
How old is Naji Marshall?
Naji Marshall was born on January 24, 1998, making him 28 years old as of October 2026.
Which NBA team does Naji Marshall play for?
Naji Marshall plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He joined the franchise in July 2024 after spending four NBA seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. In August 2026, he signed a multi-year contract extension with Dallas.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
