After Paul George, Caleb Martin was the Sixers’ biggest free-agent signing. What does the veteran wing bring to the fold?
Caleb Martin inked a four-year deal worth $32 million this summer, in what might be the Sixers’ most surprising move of the offseason. From afar, fans have seen him torch the Boston Celtics and help the Miami Heat to an NBA Finals appearances. But what exactly does Martin provide in a new situation with a new team?
As of right now, it’s widely expected Martin will slot in as the fifth starter along Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Joel Embiid. While the unofficial jargon is Martin being the “power forward” he’ll likely be guarding smaller wings and taller guards the majority of the time. I wouldn’t classify Martin as an elite defender, but he can certainly hold his own and competes. He has proven at times to be a very capable on-ball defender as well.
The intrigue of Martin mostly comes on the offensive end, where he can provide an array of things. First and foremost is his ability to shoot the ball both off the catch and dribble. The shotmaking comes and goes, but Martin is very capable of getting and staying hot. He’s also an underrated catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, hitting just under 35 percent on solid volume.
While that number doesn’t jump off the page, it’s important to factor in team context. Considering this year’s Sixers will have more talent than the Heat have had in recent years, and there’s a valid argument that this number should trend up.
There will be moments where the Sixers call upon guys like Martin or Oubre to alleviate some scoring pressure off their Big 3 of Maxey, George and Embiid. Whether it’s on or off ball, Martin has proven time and time again that he’s capable of scoring in a plethora of ways in big moments.
Whether it’s as a power forward, starter or bench guy — Caleb Martin will provide the Sixers with a little of bit of everything.