One of the most underrated Sixers free agent additions of the summer was versatile three-and-D combo forward Caleb Martin. The veteran wing may not be a marquee name like nine-time All-Star Paul George, but he’s eager to prove his mettle as a multifaceted role player, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pompey notes that Martin could prove to be a crucial “glue guy” for the club as it seeks its first title in 42 seasons. Martin expressed enthusiasm about taking on a complementary role.
“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 projected 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 Miami’s charmed 2023 playoff run, which saw the club reach the NBA Finals.
During his final season in Miami in 2023/24, Martin averaged a career-best 10.0 points per game on .431/.349/.778 shooting splits, along with 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest. He inked a four-year, $35MM deal with the Sixers this summer.
There’s more out of Philadelphia:
- Health will be paramount for the Sixers’ new “Big Three” of All-NBA center Joel Embiid, George, and All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey, Pompey writes in another Inquirer story. Maxey exited Friday’s preseason finale against the Magic after bruising his right thumb, but that was viewed as a precautionary decision. 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 in addition to Embiid.
- Critics of the Sixers’ impending new arena in downtown Philadelphia have asked who will truly benefit from the building’s construction, according to Jeff Gammage, Sean Collins Walsh, and Anna Orsol of The Philadelphia Inquirer. While $50MM from team ownership has been allocated for the community, those critics question just how that money will be doled out. “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.
Sorry, but it’s Boston, New York and everyone else. Between poor playoff performances and failing health from not just one (Embiid), but two (George) players, why would you put the Sixers in with the other two.
On pure talent alone, you may be right, but we have seen both of those guys fail too frequently to put them in the conversation.
Greg Disagree.
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.
Nah… Embiid and PG are too fragile and Maxey isn’t enough to carry the team by himself…
They have a chance at the 3rd seed in the regular season… But anything more is a long shot…
Martin is a glue guy Embiid and PG are glue factory guys lol cooked
You again?
Caleb Martin is a good player and would usually fit most rosters easily, but playing the 4 is awkward. That puts a lot of rebounding responsibility on Embiid – who, if anything, needs to be kept away from the physicality of that.
Yes cam all 280 pounds of Joel
280 pounds of street clothes…
I am a long time 76ers fan, but I have my doubts. The health of Embiid and health and age of George are a huge concern. The team will try to “manage” their playing time, but that will effect their conditioning – which has been a historic issue with Embiid. I’d rather see them play every game and play less minutes than miss entire games. I’ll be praying for good health for the entire team!