3 Players that need to step up for the 76ers to secure early season role

KJ Martin has already been labeled as a 76ers' trade chip

KJ Martin signed a 2-year, $16 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers the past summer, keeping his roster spot from last season. Martin, who came to Philadelphia as a part of the James Harden deal, will have a tough season ahead of him if he cannot secure a valid role in the Sixers' rotation. Martin, son of former NBA high-flyer Kenyon Martin, has already been labeled as a trade chip despite signing the deal this summer.

He had a minimal role for the 76ers last season, averaging 12.3 minutes, with most of his appearances coming during the time that the 76ers roster was dealing with many injuries between December and March. In any case, Martin needs to show true improvement as an athletic swingman in order to remain part of the rotation, especially if the Sixers are at full health.

He has to become a factor in offense, and if he's able to curve a role for himself there, he will be useful as an all-around forward behind Caleb Martin. Martin will compete for minutes with Guerschon Yabusele on the wing. Yabusele, a proven overseas veteran, might start ahead of him in the 76ers' rotation early in the season.

Aside from his minimal contribution to offense last season, Martin remains a questionable shot-maker, executing from three-point distance on just a 28.6% clip in the 60 games he played in Philadelphia. Philadelphia will need all the 3 & D help it can get with opponents swarming on their superstars night in and night out.