Philadelphia 76ers: 3 potential Heat free agents to scout
The second round series between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers has become a lot more interesting with the return of Joel Embiid in Game 3. While the Sixers are doing their work on the court, the front office needs to continue its work preparing for the offseason.
Just like with the series against the Toronto Raptors, I will be taking a look at three potential free agents on the Miami Heat that the Sixers should be scouting right now during this series. Players with player options on their contract won’t be included, sorry to fans of P.J. Tucker.
Before beginning, I would like to give a shout-out to an honorable mention in Dewayne Dedmon. A former member of the process, the veteran center has carved out a solid role as a backup in his career. With that written, let’s begin
3 potential Heat free agents to scout: Caleb Martin
Despite being undrafted, Caleb Martin has found his way into the NBA. He spent his first two seasons on the Charlotte Hornets with his brother Cody Martin. However, this past offseason, Caleb Martin was waived by the Hornets and then signed to the Heat on a two-way contract.
He played so well that the Heat gave him a regular contract halfway through the season. During the season, Martin averaged a career-high 9.2 points on 41.3 percent shooting from the 3-point line. However, it was his effort on the defensive end that is probably his best quality.
Despite being 6-foot-5, Martin has become a defensive stopper against shooting guards and small forwards. His grittiness on defense is something that the Philadelphia 76ers could use, especially considering he’s not an offensive liability.
Martin is a restricted free agent, so getting him away from the Heat would be a tricky maneuver by the Sixers’ front office. The Heat can in theory match any offer Philly throws at him, so it comes down to are the 76ers willing to overpay and how much the Heat wants him back.