CAMDEN, N.J. — Although the Philadelphia 76ers addition of Caleb Martin is not as big in magnitude as the Paul George signing, it accentuates that splash and everything the Sixers have going. It takes more than just stars uplifting those around them to win at a high level in the NBA; those around the stars must help them, too. That’s where Martin shines.
The Sixers’ president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, described Martin as a “battle-tested performer who has elevated his game when his teams have needed it most” in the team’s official release. After three seasons as a significant player for the Miami Heat, the 28-year-old Martin is poised to become one of Philadelphia’s most essential supporting cast members.
The fact that Martin inked a four-year, $32 million contract with the 76ers is even more intriguing because he paid far less than the Heat did. The franchise that had developed Martin into a high-quality role player after picking him up from the Charlotte Hornets wanted Martin to opt into his $7 million player option and then sign him to an The deal is worth $65 million over the next five years. Martin bet on himself, but he couldn’t locate a more profitable offer.
Martin, a firm believer that everything occurs for a purpose and that life is about taking risks that both succeed and fail, isn’t allowing the money he left on the table bring him down.
“Just certain things didn’t work,” Martin explained of his departure from the Heat. “Many things happened behind the scenes. Finally, there was a lot to consider when making that decision, and a lot contributed to how everything turned out. But the past is past. Can’t do nothing about that and, like I said, I’m looking forward to being here and being a part of With his twin brother Cody Martin at the 76ers’ practice facility with him, Caleb discussed his excitement to join the Sixers, where he is expected to be a starter. He reflected on his previous matchups against the Sixers, particularly those in Philly.
“The last time I was here, I think I gave the fans some chicken,” Martin remarked, referring to when he missed two free throws in the play-in game, triggering Chick-fil-A’s Bricken for Chicken promotion. The intensity of Sixers supporters isn’t quite as high as the Heat’s military-level strictness, but being used to the taste of intense scrutiny makes him want to play for Philadelphia.
“They’ll let you hear it whenever you playing bad, too,” Martin informed us. “I like to think that kind of pressure is good for you. So, I’m excited.”Caleb Martin brings playoff experience and a two-way impact to the 76ers. Not only has he made it further in the playoffs than Philly has, but he’s also seen as someone who takes his game up a level in the playoffs. Martin made a name for himself with the Heat by nearly winning the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals MVP award, coming one vote short of the award that went to Jimmy Butler. Martin averaged 19.3 points per game while shooting 60.2 percent from the field and “I think that’s just one thing I’ve done most of my life; when there’s a certain level of play that needs to happen and everybody’s level needs to rise, I feel like I fit into that kind of category,” Martin told ESPN. “I feel like I’ve done that the last couple years and I feel like that’s what I’ll be able to do here with a group of guys that’s talented.”It’s difficult to categorize players as playoff risers and fallers through a binary lens. Players have great games and bad games, legendary series and forgettable ones. Martin has had plenty of forgettable moments in addition to his great ones. Even players like Kawhi Leonard and Nikola Jokic, regarded heavily as those who raise their game in the playoffs, have letdowns. Joel Embiid, panned as playoff droppers, has a track record with more successes than the Although Martin hasn’t performed as well in other playoff series as he did in that one, his overall playoff performance has been strong. Being a key factor in one of the most unexpected Finals appearances ever should be acknowledged. The 76ers did not overlook it when analyzing free agent options.
Martin knows a way to the Finals, but not the way. If the Sixers win the East, it will not be similar to what the Heat did.
“Just bringing a little bit of that experience and being able to get to the Finals,” he told the crowd. “Not many people know how to get there, even though the road is straightforward. I’m not even sure what route to take to get there and through that. That’s why I’m trying to figure out how to get there and overcome the hurdle with a new bunch of guys. I believe we are all working for the same goal right now.
The 76ers will rely on Martin to be a tough defender against a variety of opponents. He, George, and Kelly Oubre Jr. are expected to be the starting forwards, which may necessitate frequent encounters with larger players. Martin’s offensive responsibilities will include shooting and attacking the holes created by the stars surrounding him. While Martin’s three-point shooting was below-average with the Heat (35.3% over the previous two seasons), the Sixers will provide him with an excellent opportunity to improve. With the space and possibilities created by Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey, he will have plenty of room to shoot.
“I definitely think I fit,” Martin said, referring to Nick Nurse and the guys he’s coached, including Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry. Martin described the latter as “one of my big brothers right now, so wherever he fits, I know I’ll fit.” We’re the same type of man in that we basically aim to contribute winning qualities to a squad. He enjoys being here and playing for Nick. “I think I’ll fit right in.”
Now that Lowry has officially returned to the Sixers, Martin will be reunited with the savvy, rugged point guard. There are not many more recognized faces on the roster, but with the talent around him, Martin should have a terrific Getting to know everybody.
The 76ers’ recruitment of a major player from a rival has the apparent, cheeky benefit of hurting that competition. The Heat have been far more successful than the Sixers, with one of their former players, Jimmy Butler, leading the way. Martin will not lead the Sixers like Butler does the Heat. However, Philly hopes that Martin’s talent, which he demonstrated while playing alongside Butler and Bam Adebayo, can transition to a role alongside Embiid, Maxey and George.”The last couple of years, I’ve been a part of a lot of winning,” Caleb Martin said. “That has been a major factor for me over the last few years. I simply believe this is one of the best venues to do it. They’re assembling a superb crew. They have a lot of talented guys, so I think it will improve my game on a personal level, and I believe we can do something exceptional as a team.”
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