The 2024-2025 NBA season doesn’t mark the primary spherical of a Philadelphia 76ers uniform for KJ Martin, however the journey to the Bahamas was his first probability to organize for the brand new 12 months of basketball with Nick Nurse and the Sixers.
This time final season, Martin was anticipating a recent begin with the Los Angeles Clippers after spending a number of seasons with the Houston Rockets.
The Clippers’ stint would solely final a number of video games. On Halloween, the Sixers and Clippers accomplished a commerce that swapped a number of gamers from either side. Martin discovered himself within the deal, touchdown with the Sixers within the remaining season of his contract.
With the Sixers, Martin performed in 58 video games final season. He had a restricted function, averaging 12 minutes off the bench. By the point the playoffs rolled round, Martin was exterior of Nurse’s rotation. At this level, it was honest to wonder if or not Martin would return to the crew in free company.
The younger veteran was in a position to weigh his choices in July, as he grew to become free to speak to any suitors. Finally, he got here again with the 76ers.
In keeping with experiences, Martin has signed a two-year contract. He expects to earn greater than $15 million throughout this era. Whereas many consider Martin’s contract may very well be a key commerce asset sooner or later, the Sixers are usually not overlooking the veteran ahead.
There is a chance for Martin to acquire a day-to-day function within the nursing rotation.
For now, he is heading in the right direction.
“He had a very good camp,” Nurse stated of Martin final week. “One of many guys I used to be pleasantly stunned with.”
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One week of follow and several other preseason video games will not solidify Martin’s function. Nurse desires to see the veteran ahead proceed to progress in what he has already thrived with previously, however Martin can be anticipated to increase his recreation.
Throughout the summer time, Martin targeted closely on turning into a deep menace shooter. When he was with the Rockets, most of his manufacturing got here on the rim. In his final drive in Houston, Martin tried greater than 75 % of his baskets inside three toes of the basket. After spending the summer time engaged on his shot, Martin left Nurse intrigued by his potential enchancment.
“He actually had an enormous summer time engaged on his set. I suppose he rebuilt some issues,” the nurse continued. “It appears higher. It looks as if it goes much more into the charting actions that we do. It additionally comes into the simulated matches much more and all the pieces we do as properly.
The offseason goes properly for Martin thus far, however there’s a lot to show.
“There are type of ranges to this. Are you able to do them in the summertime, are you able to do them within the fall, are you able to do them within the spring, are you able to do them within the playoffs? We’ll see what degree he’s at,” Nurse completed.
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