Nick Nurse should consider giving KJ Martin more minutes to give Sixers energy

Philly is set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum on Wednesday, and Nick Nurse should consider giving KJ Martin minutes.

The Philadelphia 76ers fell to 2-11 on the season after an ugly 106-89 loss to the Miami Heat Monday night.

Philadelphia started the game off much better offensively than Friday’s loss to the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as both teams shot below 42 percent from the field. However, the team went cold in the third quarter, and throughout the game turnovers were a big issue.

The Sixers committed 14, which led to easy points for the Heat who struggled to connect from downtown (29.5 percent).

Jared McCain (20 points) led the team in scoring for the fifth time this season and for the third consecutive game. He and Paul George (18 points) carried the offensive load and were the only bright spots from Monday night’s loss.

It’s still too early to wave the white flag for the 2024-25 season but Nick Nurse needs to find a solution fast. After Monday’s loss, Nurse entered the post-game press conference late and stated that the team had a brief meeting.

Analysts, critics and fans can only wonder what was discussed in the meeting, but hopefully, it can jump-start the team. Philly is set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum on Wednesday, and Nurse should consider giving KJ Martin minutes.

Philadelphia re-signed Martin to a two-year, $16 million contract during the offseason after landing George. The CBA agreement did force the team’s hands but giving him more minutes could benefit the Sixers — even if he may be a trade piece later on.

Martin is averaging 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting an impressive 64.3 percent (career-high) from the floor. These numbers may not jump off the page, but his efficiency could be something that helps the 76ers.

So far this season, he has played in 10 games and started one (due to injuries). During the preseason, he showed flashes that he could be a rotation player when he put up 12 points, six rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets.

Giving the former Rocket and Clipper more minutes isn’t to say that he will be the team’s saving grace but the team needs energy which he can provide.

Before McCain established his presence as a solid contributor, he took advantage of his limited minutes with his consistent shooting from three and the free throw line. He commits to the defense end and provides this team with a spark.

Martin won’t provide this team with three-point shooting and 20-plus points like McCain in the foreseeable future, but he is an efficient forward who has a nose for the rim.

The 6-foot-6 forward is a slasher who can finish with either hand — though he seems to prefer his left — above or at the rim. He would provide this team with efficient shot selections because he is at his best when he is running the lanes on the fast break or setting a pick and slipping to the basket.

Martin moves without the basketball and takes advantage of the backdoor cut. His ability to move without the ball or follow the shot will give Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George a target to pass when double-teamed.

Not to mention it will help the team generate easy buckets or opportunities to rebound if he is attacking the rim. The Houston Rockets were able to play to his strengths because they got out and ran the floor, and spaced the floor so that he could attack the rim.

Philadelphia is ranked 21st in the league at fast break points per game which isn’t the worst. By no means does this team need to run-and-gun but they can generate quick points.

Maxey, McCain, Kelly Oubre Jr. and George love to get out on the break and Martin could have the opportunity to get some easy buckets. On the flip side, the team can shoot from three (despite the current showings).

Once the team’s three-point percentage starts to improve, the lane will be open.

The 23-year-old has made the most of his opportunities and has only shot below 50 percent from the floor three times this season. He’s not a lockdown defender but he can hold his own. He plays the passing lanes and commits to cleaning the glass via rebounding or by way of an electrifying block.

Giving Martin more minutes could give the Sixers another rotation player, or a shot in the arm. Whatever Nurse decides to do, he better do it quickly.