From a biased point of view, of course, using the word “gold” might be a stretch when discussing Caleb Martin. But even then, the reality isn’t that far off.
When the Miami Heat finished their offseason by signing Caleb Martin to a two-way contract, he was the last offseason acquisition before the 10-day contracts rolled around. Many were happy, yet puzzled by the finishing touch to an otherwise successful summer.
The Miami Heat are the envy of NBA scouts throughout the league, as they seem to have struck gold once again with Caleb Martin
After going undrafted in 2019 and signing with the Charlotte Hornets his first two years (accompanied by his twin brother Cody Martin who was drafted that same year in the second round), Caleb Martin experienced a rough start averaging under six points per game in 16 minutes of playing time.
The talent was there, but the hustle and hard work did not transcend. The Miami Heat saw otherwise and snatched him in the offseason.
Caleb hit the ground running, realizing he has a chip on his shoulder, and has quickly meshed extremely well with Heat culture. He has proudly branded himself as a defensive threat within Miami’s second unit. What a drastic change a new scenario and opportunity can make.
In foresight, these were the expectations of the Miami Heat when they signed KZ Okpala. Caleb Martin undoubtedly helped patch up that erroneous mistake that Okpala never quite fixed.
While his positions vary from shooting guard all the way to power forward at times, Martin has found his niche within this Heat unit, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Working his way through a two-way contract, Martin has found comfort in the unknown. With injuries, covid, and the rise of Sixth Man of the Year candidate Tyler Herro, this Heat team could look different next year with contract negotiations looming.
With his stunning work ethic and motivation, a standard contract seems very plausible once playoff time comes around. For the time being, he is enjoying his role with his new team while learning what works and what doesn’t for him.
In 38 games played for Miami, nine of those being as a starter, he is averaging 9.5 points per game along with 3.9 rebounds. Shy of the 10-point mark, he makes up for it with his standout defensive prowl and his never-give-up attitude while hustling up and down the court. He has even been tasked with guarding the elite point guards such as Trae Young, Steph Curry, and Chris Paul.
In the 18 games that Jimmy Butler has missed this season, Martin has stepped up to the plate, averaging 12.1 points per game in 25 minutes of action in 11 of those 18 games.
He also pulls down 4.1 rebounds per game, as he is also learning to time his jump and reaction movements. It has been a pleasant surprise to many including Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra.
The Heat currently sits at first in the East with a 31-17 record, and some of that credit goes to Miamis’ second unit, including Caleb Martin. Their “next man up” mentality has jolted this team into the peak of playoff contention.
With role players understanding their assignment and making an impact, Martin’s future definitely looks bright if he can remain this consistent.