BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 01: Caleb Martin #16 of the Miami Heat dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 01, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE T … ((Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images))
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia 76ers continued to build around their star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George with the addition of free-agent forward Caleb Martin.
Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey made the announcement Saturday, saying, "Caleb is a battle-tested performer who has elevated his game when his teams have needed it most. We’re excited for him to bring his skillset and mentality to the 76ers."
The 28-year-old Martin averaged 8.5 points over five seasons, including the last three with the Miami Heat. It was in Miami where Martin developed a reputation of raising his game. He averaged 10 points and shot 35% from 3-point range.
He’ll likely fill a starting spot in Philly, where the 76ers have totally revamped their roster after another early postseason exit. They spent more than $400 million to sign George away from the Clippers and keep Maxey, their homegrown All-Star guard, in the fold for five more years. Morey also signed free-agents Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon and re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr.
Martin was undrafted coming out of college at NC State. He entered the NBA with almost no guarantees. He had to play in the G League. Charlotte let him go after two seasons.
Martin then became the breakout star of the 2023 NBA playoffs when he pushed the Heat to the NBA Finals.
Now, he should be the starting power forward for a franchise that hasn't won an NBA title since 1983.
Martin averaged 19.3 points on 60% shooting and scored a playoff-career-high 26 points on Boston’s home floor in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. He was solid in the first two rounds that season against No. 1 Milwaukee and No. 5 New York, averaging 10.8 points on nearly 53% shooting.
Martin's postseason numbers were exactly what the 76ers looked for as they filled out a roster that was about empty at the end of the season except for Embiid and Maxey. The 76ers also waived forward Paul Reed.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.