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Caleb Martin #16 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo during media day at the FTX Arena on September 26, 2022
The Miami Heat had their media day this week before heading to the Bahamas for their training camp ahead of the start of the 2022-23 NBA season. The Heat has had a relatively quiet atmosphere regarding the transactions only making additions through Nikola Jovic’s draft, but it has always been linked to some sort of rumor. Whether it’s making a blockbuster trade or adding a veteran’s piece at a free agency, Hit is usually mentioned in discussions.
One of the biggest question marks for The Heat came after PJ Tucker’s departure on free agency to the Philadelphia 76ers. Many wondered how the heat would initially fill their power slot. Scout suggested Jimmy Butler fill the role but was reluctant to do so, and said they were looking into planning to move forward with Caleb Martin in an increased role in the four. Although it looks like Martin will get the starting nod, the team is still linked with rumors of players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Kelly Olynyk and even a reunion with Jae Crowder. However, it still appears to be Martin. Haywood Highsmith campaigned for him to be Tucker’s replacement as well. On Media Day, Martin talked about wanting to start as well.
Caleb Martin on the start of the thermal cycle
With the slot open in Power Forward, there was a lot of discussion at Media Day about whether he would be Butler or who would fill the role, and all signs are pointing to Caleb Martin. Martin spoke about his desire to begin his session with the media on Monday, September 26, on Heat Media Day. He shared his desire to start a Heat match.
“I’d like to start, but as long as I’m playing and I can be productive, it’s okay”, Martin said.
With rumors of veteran additions circulating throughout the summer, Martin noted that it meant something to him, saying that “it says a lot to me. I’m flattered. I accept the challenge.”
Replacing the defensive presence that Tucker had brought into the Heat City’s forward area would surely be a challenge. He plays more on the wing, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to the big men at the post and probably won’t offer the same defense as Tucker. However, it is an offensive rivalry problem for opposing teams. Martin can shoot and move, unlike most powerful attackers.
Pam Adebayo on Caleb Martin
On a media day, Pam Adebayo discussed his role offensively with the Heat and where he could see that improve in the upcoming NBA season, but he also spoke a little bit about Martin and what he could bring to the Heat’s starting lineup.
“He is a sports winger. Playing on the wing is a match issue. He will help us a lot. He has been in the gym for countless hours working on his shot.”
How Martin will respond to the challenge is perhaps the most important question in South Beach this season. If he makes big strides, the Heat are in a great position to compete again in the East and the NBA in general, but if that presents a challenge, the Heat have a hole in their starting lineup that they will need to address.
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