Ahead of the start of training camp on October 3, AllUCanHeat analyzes each Miami Heat player.
This episode focuses on Caleb Martin, who may be Miami’s most important bench player this season.
Caleb Martin’s story is one of the most compelling in the NBA playoffs.
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Trivia about his relationship with rap superstar J.
Cole, tryouts for two-way contracts, and his twin brother seemed to be included in every broadcast during the Miami Heat’s run to the Finals.
Now that’s old news.
The story Martin is working on this upcoming season could be his last in Miami.
Martin has a player option for the 2024-25 season and if he can continue last season’s performance, he will receive a raise.
The Heat hope that happens.
Martin’s 2022-23 season was marked by inconsistency, but he stepped up when Miami needed him most.
He began the season playing out of position and started 49 games at power forward before the Heat acquired Kevin Love in February.
From that point on, Martin mostly came off the bench until the Heat needed him back as a starter in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In Game 7 against the Celtics, Martin scored 26 points on 11-of-16 shooting, along with 10 rebounds and 3 assists.
Just being considered for Eastern Conference Finals MVP would be enough.
This season, the Heat need Martin to be their most valuable reserve player.
Even though a potential trade for Damian Lillard is lurking on the roster, the Heat still want to keep Martin out of the deal because they view him as essential to the championship.
Martin’s importance comes from his versatility.
At 6-foot-5, Martin plays above his measurements and can guard multiple positions.
He has also improved his 3-point shooting since joining the Heat in 2021.
Since then, he has made nearly 38 percent of his 3-pointers.
Martin can play in a lineup alongside Jimmy Butler to form an elite defensive duo or back him up to ensure Miami’s defense doesn’t miss a beat without its star player.
He can see minutes at any position, from shooting guard, small forward and power forward.
Every season in Miami has resulted in new career highs, and if Martin improves on his averages of 9.
6 points, 4.
8 rebounds and 1.
6 assists, he could decide opt out of the final year of a contract worth $7.
1 million.
If that’s the case, the Heat may have a difficult time bringing him back.
But it also means Martin has done his job and the Heat may have moved closer to their goal of winning a championship.
Caleb Martin
Position:
Forward
Ht./Weight:
May 6, 205
Colleges:
Nevada
Professional years:
4 2022-23: