“Nico Nico Behind the Camera with a Gun”: NBA Fans React as Luka Doncic’s Former $27 Million Teammate Snubs Him from Mavs All-Time Lineup the Camera with a Gun”: NBA Fans React as Luka Doncic’s Former $27 Million Teammate Snubs Him from Mavs All-Time Lineup
In a surprising twist that’s sent shockwaves through NBA fandom, Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall—a recent teammate of Luka Doncic—has left the superstar off his personal all-time Mavericks starting five. The omission of Doncic, arguably the most accomplished Maverick since Dirk Nowitzki, sparked an immediate and intense reaction from fans online, many of whom turned to humor and conspiracy theories to make sense of the snub.
The controversy erupted after a casual interview segment in which Marshall was asked to name his dream all-time Mavericks lineup. His picks: Jason Kidd, Kyrie Irving, Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tyson Chandler. Noticeably missing was Luka Doncic, who led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and put up historic individual performances during his tenure in Dallas.
A $27 Million Teammate Turns Heads
Marshall, who signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Mavericks in 2024, spent just one season alongside Doncic before the Slovenian superstar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in early 2025. Despite their short time as teammates, many expected Marshall to recognize Luka’s legacy, particularly given his undeniable impact on the franchise and the league.
Instead, fans were treated to a lineup heavily featuring players still connected to the Mavericks organization: Kidd is the current head coach, Dirk and Finley hold front-office roles, and Chandler is an assistant coach. The inclusion of Kyrie Irving, while understandable from a talent standpoint, raised eyebrows considering the snub of Doncic—who holds nearly every major statistical record in Mavericks history apart from championships.
Fan Reactions: Humor, Speculation, and Outrage
What followed Marshall’s comments was an outpouring of fan reactions, ranging from disbelief to darkly comedic speculation. One viral comment in particular summed up the mood perfectly.
This quip, referencing Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, implied (jokingly) that the front office may have quietly discouraged current or former players from mentioning Doncic following his departure. Others chimed in with similar theories, joking about a “gag order” on all things Luka in Dallas.
Some fans expressed confusion over the decision, writing:
“Is Luka
You’re telling me the guy who led you to a Finals just last year isn’t top five?”
This is either political or personal—there’s no way this is about basketball.”
Others defended Marshall’s choices, suggesting that his picks were a nod to franchise loyalty, organizational continuity, or personal relationships rather than statistical supremacy.
A Legacy Too Big to Ignore
Despite the snub, Luka Doncic’s resume speaks volumes. In his time with the Mavericks, he.
Doncic’s departure from Dallas in 2025 was reportedly mutual, as the team looked to reset after falling short in the Finals. His move to Los Angeles has been met with mixed emotions in Dallas, with some fans still reeling from what could have been.
Was It Personal?
While it’s impossible to say definitively why Marshall left Luka off the list, the timing and the circumstances suggest the decision might not have been purely basketball-related. It could have been a political move, a nod to team management, or simply a personal preference for players he grew up watching.
Regardless of motive, the reaction shows just how strongly fans feel about Doncic’s place in Mavericks history—and how sensitive the topic remains in Dallas circles.
Whether Marshall regrets his choices or not, one thing is certain: Luka Doncic’s name still carries weight, and even when left out, he remains the center of attention.