Former Hornet Caleb Martin Steals the Show in Game 7 of Eastern Conference Finals
As if Hornets fans didn't already have enough to be upset about, now they will watch former Hornet Caleb Martin play for an NBA title.
But it's not just that the other Martin brother is playing for a ring, it's that he's become an integral part of the Heat's success in the playoffs, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals. You could argue that Martin was the most consistent scorer on either side of the ledger in the seven-game series between Miami and Boston, averaging nearly 20 points per contest.
CALEB MARTIN'S GAME-BY-GAME TOTALS
Game 1 (Win): 15 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl 6/11 FG (3/7 3FG)
Game 2 (Win): 25 pts, 4 reb, 1 stl 11/16 FG (3/7 3FG)
Game 3 (Win): 18 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl 7/11 FG (4/7 3FG)
Game 4 (Loss): 16 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast 6/9 FG (2/5 3FG)
Game 5 (Loss): 14 pts, 5 reb, 5/12 FG (2/5 3FG)
Game 6 (Loss): 21 pts, 15 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl 7/13 FG (4/8 3FG)
Game 7 (Win): 26 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl 11/16 FG (4/6 3FG)
Totals: 135 points (19.3 ppg), 45 rebounds (6.4 rpg), 13 assists (1.9 apg), 53/88 FG (60%), and 22/45 3FG (49%).
Did the Hornets make the right call to let Caleb walk?
Hindsight is 20/20 but at the time of the decision, it made sense. Both Caleb and Cody Martin were similar-style players and they were getting similar production from both of them. It didn't make much sense to pay for two of the same, so instead, Charlotte went out and signed Kelly Oubre Jr.
In 2021-22, Cody Martin proved his worth in an expanded role with per 36 averages of 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. That production led to a new four-year, $31.3M contract. Unfortunately, we only saw Cody in seven games this season due to quad and knee injuries.
Cody may or may not reach the level of offensive success that his brother is currently seeing but one thing is for sure, when Cody is healthy, he makes an impact.
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