One of the most underrated Sixers free acquisitions of the summer is versatile 3-and-D combo forward Caleb Martin. The 6’5″ wing may not be a marquee name a la nine-time All-Star Paul George, but he is eager to prove his mettle as a multifaceted role player, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pompey notes that Martin could yet prove to be a crucial “glue guy” for the club moving forward, as it seeks to earn its first title in 42 seasons. Martin himself acknowledged his efficacy as a complimentary piece.
“That’s how you fit in,” Martin said. “That’s how you complete the pieces of the puzzle. If everybody’s got the same agenda, averaging 20 points, playing the most minutes, getting up the most shots, that’s not how you complete a team.”
Although he’s just 6’5″, the 29-year-old is currently expected to serve as Philadelphia’s starting power forward, as he did during much of his tenure with the Heat. Martin was a key member of the club’s charmed 2023 playoff run, that saw the Heat reach the NBA Finals.
During his final season in Miami last year, Martin averaged a career-best 10.0 PPG, on .431/.349/.778 shooting splits, along with 4.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG and 0.5 BPG. He inked a four-year, $35MM club with the Sixers this summer.
There’s more out of Philadelphia:
- Health will be paramount for the Sixers’ new “Big Three,” comprising All-NBA superstar center Joel Embiid, All-Star forward George, and All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey, Pompey writes in another piece. Maxey bruised his right thumb during the team’s Friday preseason finale against the Magic, but was held out as a precaution. George is dealing with a hyperextended knee and is questionable to play in the team’s regular season opener Wednesday. Embiid hasn’t scrimmaged with the team or played a single game during the preseason, as the 2023 MVP looks to manage his health with an eye towards playoff glory. Pompey notes that Philadelphia plans to exercise caution with the 34-year-old George this year, as well as Embiid.
- Critics of the Sixers’ impending new arena in downtown Philadelphia have asked who will truly benefit from the construction of a fresh building, according to Jeff Gammage, Sean Collins Walsh, and Anna Orsol of The Philadelphia Inquirer. $50MM has been allocated for the community, but just how that money will be doled out remains to be seen. “We still have negotiations to do, and working with the development team and administration to make sure those changes that we believe are necessary will be put into either the legislation or the [agreement for the new arena,” city councilman Mark Squilla said.
- In case you missed it, Philadelphia waived four players ahead of the start of the regular season.
Are philly really a top 3 team in the east? I’ve got my doubts.
Good…we like doubters
Good to hear a Philly fan likes something.
Ignore the fool . It’s Celtics, Knicks, Sixers and everybody else. Whoever stays healthy and is lucky.
Possibly, I see them as more of a second tier team in the East along with Milwaukee and Cleveland. If things go south for the Knicks and/or Boston any of those three could make a push to be Eastern Conference Champs.