3 Dark horse candidates to eventually break into the 76ers starting lineup

Is it time for KJ Martin to break out as a starter in the NBA?

KJ Martin signed a team-friendly and tradable deal with the Philadelphia 76ers last summer. The dynamic forward, who joined the team via trade last season, saw limited time on the court with the Sixers last season. The promising forward showed the right attitude and commitment, as the 76ers signed him again.

Martin is a versatile winger who has the right physical tools to become a defensive stopper on the wing and a dunker-spot finisher a la Aaron Gordon on the offensive end. Daryl Morey most certainly sees the tools and bets on the young forward in a crucial 76ers season. Martin showed promise during his time with the Rockets, and he can be a true rotational option during the regular season.

He started in 69 games and averaged a career-high 12.7 points during the 2022–23 season. He did not find enough time to make a statement during his Clippers stint and was unable to play a role for the Sixers during his first season in Philadelphia. That said, I could certainly see him racking up some minutes on the wing, considering that the 76ers rotation remains shallow.

Martin will have the chance to prove himself, and if he's able to register similar numbers to his breakout 2022–23 campaign, then he could snatch a role as the starting forward, allowing Caleb Martin to be slotted as a second-unit leader. In any case, it is a win-win situation for the 76ers, as they have the chance to retain a productive player on a cap-friendly deal or trade him for a more proven rotational piece later in the season.