DECEMBER 8: The Pelicans have officially signed Marshall to his two-way contract, according to the NBA’s transactions log. New Orleans has now filled both its two-way slots, with big man Will Magnay occupying the other.
NOVEMBER 19: Undrafted Xavier power forward Naji Marshall has verbally agreed to sign a two-way contract with the Pelicans, a source tells Matt Bacbock of Babcock Hoops (Twitter link). Andrew Lopez of ESPN confirms (via Twitter) that New Orleans is adding Marshall on a two-way deal.
Marshall, the No. 12 player on ESPN’s list of undrafted prospects, was a primary offensive facilitator during his junior year at Xavier, averaging 16.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 4.0 APG. Within his scouting report on the former Musketeer, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony notes that Marshall’s “toughness and activity” are major pluses on defense.
Marshall won’t be limited to just 45 days of NBA service in his rookie season, as two-way players in 2020/21 are allowed to be active for up to 50 regular season games.
The Pelicans is a terrible team name.
Disagree. Lot of fun sportswriting and color potential. PeliCan. PeliCopter. Bird is the Word. Handles slick as oil. Catch a lob pass like a bird in your mouth. All the favorites.
Also the name doesn’t matter when you WIN. I rest my case.
Worth noting that Naji Marshall is not on the Pelicans training camp roster.
They still have a two-way opening and there has been no reporting suggesting the deal fell through, so we’re assuming for now that he’ll still sign eventually.