The 76ers' Caleb Martin situation is worse than anyone expected

Can the 76ers count on Caleb Martin?

Philadelphia 76ers, Caleb Martin
Philadelphia 76ers, Caleb Martin | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia 76ers remade their roster this offseason to become title contenders. They added Paul George to create a Big 3 and revamped their roster behind them. The expectations made their 3-14 start the talk of the NBA. Injuries played a key role, including Joel Embiid missing time, but were far from the only reason. Caleb Martin was signed to be a starter and key contributor, but he has struggled mightily with the Sixers.

Martin averages 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steal in 29.1 minutes per game. He was dropped from the starting lineup as the team got healthy and is shooting just 40.5 percent from the field after 20 appearances.

They have won four of their last five, but Martin’s production has been worse during that stretch. It has left the Sixers contemplating his place in the rotation and the best course of action with him signed long-term.

The 76ers’ Caleb Martin situation is a problem

Martin turned down a five-year $65 million contract from the Heat, so many viewed his four-year $35 million deal with the Sixers as a steal. The 6’5 wing played a crucial role in Miami reaching the NBA Finals in 2023 and was a starter in last year’s playoffs. Getting a versatile 3-and-D wing was exactly what Daryl Morey wanted around his Big 3.

Martin is not making shots, and the 76ers are worse with him on the floor. He is shooting 29.4 percent on his 51 3-point attempts this season with all but one of them coming on open shots as classified by NBA.com. The Sixers' offense is 9.8 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor and their defense gives up 3.5 more. Martin has been disastrous, and it is showing in his playing time.

He missed two games with a back injury in late November but returned on Dec. 3 against the Hornets. In the four games since, Martin averaged 4.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17.3 minutes per game coming off the bench. The 76ers have still been outscored by nine points in his limited playing time.

Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey offer plenty of scoring. The Sixers need defenders and shooters around their Big 3 when healthy. If Martin isn’t making shots and defending multiple positions, it will be tough for him to get significant run.

Nick Nurse is not afraid to adapt to what is working. If Martin starts making his open looks and defending, he could be exactly what Philadelphia envisioned when they signed him. It is easier said than done. Sometimes role players struggle to adapt to a new team and others never fit. Which will Martin be? It is too soon to tell, but things are certainly trending in the wrong direction.

The 76ers have some size issues playing Martin with their Big 3. They could use Guerschon Yabusele or Kelly Oubre Jr. as their fifth to give them more because playing Paul George primarily at the four is not ideal.

Caleb Martin’s production must improve significantly for him to start and play a crucial role for the Philadelphia 76ers. Things are worsening, but they are often the bleakest before the turnaround. Martin is getting open looks and has proven he can defend multiple positions. He must make it happen.

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