Caleb Martin: From College Standout to NBA Player

Caleb Martin (born September 28, 1995) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey to the NBA involved a successful college career, time in the G League, and eventually, a significant role with the Miami Heat, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2023.

Early Life and High School Career

Martin, a 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) small forward, hails from Mocksville, North Carolina. Before making a name for himself in college and the NBA, he honed his skills at the prep powerhouse Oak Hill Academy, where he played alongside his twin brother, Cody Martin. Prior to their time at Oak Hill, both Caleb and Cody played three seasons at Davie County High School in Mocksville.

College Career

NC State Wolfpack (2014-2016)

Martin began his college career at NC State, where he played for two seasons.

2014-15 (Freshman): He appeared in 36 games, starting in one. He averaged 4.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game. His season-high was 17 points against Charleston Southern, and he had a season-best 10 rebounds at Louisville.
2015-16 (Sophomore): Martin played in 33 games, starting 19 of them. He averaged 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 30.5 minutes per game. He scored in double figures in 20 games, with a career-high of 21 points occurring twice.

Transfer to Nevada Wolf Pack

Following his sophomore season, Martin, along with his twin brother Cody, transferred to Nevada to play for coach Eric Musselman.

2016-17: Due to NCAA transfer rules, Martin sat out the 2016-17 season as a redshirt.
2017-18 (Junior): This was a breakout year for Martin. He helped lead the Wolf Pack to a second Mountain West regular-season title and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament. He led the team in scoring, averaging 18.9 points per game, which ranked third in the Mountain West Conference. In conference play, he also ranked third with 20.2 points per game. He started 26 of 36 games, missing one home game due to injury. Martin scored in double figures in 33 of 36 games, tying Jordan Caroline for the team lead. He had a streak of 16 consecutive double-figure games. He led the team in scoring 16 times and posted a game-high in points 14 times. He recorded two double-doubles: 18 points and 10 rebounds at Fresno State, and against Texas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He scored a career-high 28 points twice, against Texas Tech and Boise State. In three NCAA Tournament games, he averaged 16.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. Martin made a 3-pointer in 34 of 36 games, with a career-high of six made 3-pointers occurring twice. He scored his 1,000th collegiate point during this season, bringing his total to 1,231 points in 105 games (11.7 per game).
2018-19 (Senior): Before the season began, Martin was named the Preseason Mountain West Player of the Year. He averaged 19.2 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, leading Nevada to a 29-5 (15-3 MW) record. His college career concluded with a loss to Florida in the First Round of the NCAA tournament.

College Awards and Honors

Mountain West Conference Player of the Year (2018)
Mountain West Conference Newcomer of the Year (2018)
Preseason Mountain West Player of the Year (2018-19)
AP honorable mention All-America (2018)
MW Player and Newcomer of the Year (2018)
USBWA District VIII Player of the Year (2018)

NBA Career

Charlotte Hornets (2019-2021)

After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Martin signed with the Charlotte Hornets on July 31, 2019.

Read also: Remembering Caleb Wilson

He was converted to a two-way contract by the Hornets.
Martin was assigned to the Greensboro Swarm, the Hornets' G League affiliate.
In August 2021, the Hornets waived Caleb Martin.

Miami Heat (2021-2024)

On September 14, 2021, Martin signed with the Miami Heat on a two-way contract, splitting time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

He made his Heat debut on October 21, recording five points and two steals in a 137-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
On December 8, Martin scored a career-high 28 points, alongside eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals, in a 113-104 win over the Bucks.
In February 2022, the Heat converted Martin's contract to a standard deal.
In July 2022, Martin re-signed with the Heat on a 3-year deal.
During the 2023 NBA playoffs, Martin played a key role in the eight-seed Heat upsetting the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
On May 19, 2023, Martin scored 25 points during a 111-105 Game 2 Eastern Conference Finals win against the Boston Celtics.
In Game 7 of the series, Martin scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 103-84 win, helping the Heat advance to the NBA Finals.
Martin came one vote short of besting teammate Jimmy Butler for Eastern Conference Finals MVP while averaging 19.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, whilst shooting 60.2% from the field and 48.9% from three.
Martin struggled in the NBA Finals averaging only 7.4 points on 37.5% shooting.

Philadelphia 76ers (2024)

On July 6, 2024, Martin signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dallas Mavericks (2024-Present)

The Dallas Mavericks acquired forward Caleb Martin from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for guard Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick.

Player Profile

Caleb Martin is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility. He is an excellent shooter from behind the arc, making him a valuable asset on offense. His ability to score in double figures consistently and contribute on the boards makes him a well-rounded player.

Read also: Martin Returns to Coach RBs

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