In the last few years, the Dallas Mavericks have undergone many changes. From playing against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals to trading their evidently best player, Luka Doncic , next season for Anthony Davis . Even though Davis left very fast and played a minimum due to his injury, the Mavs did achieve what they planned and selected Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick.
In all that drama with the trades, the Mavs decided to keep experienced point guard Kyrie Irving . A nine-time All-Star is now the second-oldest player on the roster and, therefore, as the one who went through the most, needs to set the example for others. And this summer, he did something the whole team admired. At least Mavs' forward Naji Marshall .
During the summer, Kyrie Irving believed it would be a good thing to invite his team to L. A and get a bit away from Texas. Naji Marshall, who earlier this year signed a three-year, $52.2 million extension, really enjoyed the whole time he was there, hanging out with the teammates when it's not the season, but one thing left him speechless.
" The vibe's been incredible the whole summer. It was beautiful. First of all, Kai has the biggest I ever seen in the world. We had a little team event ," said Marshall.
Jan 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) and guard Kyrie Irving (center) and forward Naji Marshall (13) look on from the team bench during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
All things considered, it seems like Kyrie made the right decision in inviting his teammates to the City of Angels. And what kind of a host would Kyrie have been if he hadn't arranged some activities for them? Besides, of course, playing some basketball.
" He had a cookout for us basically. The whole summer was just great vibes and, you know, just to get away from Dallas and some cool weather , " addressed Marshall, " You know, you seen all they're doing yoga, playing five, just working out. Just vibing."
Usually, when a team is full of skilled individuals, chemistry is the key to success. If all the pieces fit together, the Mavs can definitely make some noise in the league this upcoming season. And they have a lot of potential, especially in last season's Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and 2024 first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher .
Spending the summer away in Dallas is one step toward achieving potential success.
" I think it's good for the team ," said Marshall shortly.
Mavericks put together a pretty young team, with Kyrie as the leader, who has experienced it all. As for Marshall, he won't have any problem fitting in, as he can do it all on the court, at least according to his former teammate Luka Doncic.
One thing is for sure. If gatherings like that are going to happen more often, Marshall sure won't have a problem competing as hard as he can for the Mavs.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
