The Philadelphia 76ers got gobsmacked for the nth time this season last night with the Miami Heat being their latest assailants. Even a massive lead could not help them snap their losing streak, and the hosts came out roaring in the second half to hand them their 11th loss in just 13 outings.
But before that horrific performance showed itself, one player in particular for the 76ers most likely had yesterday penciled in as a red letter day. Caleb Martin, who spent the last three seasons with the Heat, returned for the first time in Miami.
Unfortunately, his return was pretty uneventful. Not only did Philadelphia get floored by his former team, but he did not get any love from the franchise either, not even getting any tribute video or salutations from the Miami faithful.
Miami’s disrespect of 76ers forward Caleb Martin is perplexing
Martin, a major part of the Heat’s success during his stint, had a plain return to the Heat. While Miami was not able to win a championship when he was with the franchise, he was nevertheless instrumental in their Finals run in 2023, even though they cam up short against the Denver Nuggets.
Remember when Martin played so well he almost won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP over Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo? Well, that memory seems to have been deliberately forgotten by the Heat brass. I mean, just look at their brow-raising excuse for the omission.
There won’t be a tribute video for Caleb Martin or Kyle Lowry tonight, for those asking. The Heat reserves those for players who won an NBA championship or made an All-Star Game while with the team.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) November 18, 2024
Championship or not, teams typically welcome back their key players with some semblance of a tribute, no matter how brief or menial. The Heat would not have sniffed the Finals in 2023 sans Martin’s contributions, and that is a plain truth they cannot reverse. Throughout his tenure in Miami, he was their steadiest role player, offering meaningful contributions on both ends.
Martin unexpectedly passed up a considerable extension with the Heat in free agency, leading to him settling for a massive discount with the 76ers when his market proved to be drier than expected and Miami pulled out its offer.
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently in an unenviable position, but the team still have loads of time to cover their huge deficit in the standings. Caleb Martin will be a pivotal piece for the team as a stabilizer and versatile force on both ends. Hopefully, he starts performing and prove to the Heat that they cannot function as well without him.