Lowry expects former Warmth teammate Martin to have ‘phenomenal affect' for Sixers

Lowry expects former Heat teammate Martin to have ‘phenomenal impact’ for Sixers initially appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Kyle Lowry isn’t the kind of particular person to feign enthusiasm for the cameras.

If he’s unimpressed or irritated, the six-time All-Star level guard received’t cover it.

So when Lowry speaks about former Warmth teammate Caleb Martin, his reward jumps out.

“I believe he’s going to have an outstanding affect,” Lowry stated Monday of Martin. “When he obtained to Miami, that first yr there, he was on a two-way contract. He went from a two-way, to a normal contract, to incomes one other contract, to earning another contract. That simply exhibits the adaptability and the onerous work that he places in.

“He’s by no means happy with simply doing one or two issues. He’s at all times attempting to push who he’s to the subsequent stage. And I believe he nonetheless has some issues to show. He’s going to deliver a combat, he’s going to deliver some perspective, he’s going to deliver one other voice. He’s not going to again down from anyone. He’s going to inform the reality how it’s.”

These qualities would all be welcome on Martin’s new staff.

Certain, the Sixers will naturally look to stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George for management. And so they’ll respect the accrued knowledge of veterans like Lowry, Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson. However Martin’s phrases ought to maintain some weight, too.

The 29-year-old ahead performed in 45 postseason video games over his three years with the Warmth and had several big performances throughout Miami’s final two playoffs. He averaged 12.7 factors, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.9 steals within the Warmth’s 2023 run to the NBA Finals and shot 42.3 % from three-point vary.

Like Lowry, it doesn’t seem that he’ll dance round tough subjects in Philadelphia.

“We’ve an important relationship,” Martin stated of Lowry, whom he called one of his “big brothers” in July. “I’ve realized quite a bit from him in a brief period of time in Miami. He’s a winner. He is aware of what it takes to win; he’s been there and he’s completed that. He’s obtained such a excessive IQ and he simply is aware of the sport. … I noticed the moment affect he had halfway via the yr when he (went) from Miami to right here.

“He simply impacts groups in a optimistic means. Undoubtedly a man that you could be taught quite a bit from and that you just like to be on the identical staff as.”

On the court docket, Martin will possible be tasked with all kinds of defensive duties. The players he spent significant time guarding last regular season embrace Dejounte Murray, Maxey, DeMar DeRozan, Cade Cunningham and Darius Garland.

Kelly Oubre Jr. was already floating out potential nicknames for himself, Martin and George.

“Infinite quantity of alternatives for us on the defensive finish,” Oubre stated. “We’re undoubtedly very versatile, agile, athletic, however the distinction is all of us need that problem. It’s going to be enjoyable combating with them to see who guards and stops the (opposing participant) who’s attempting to get off. Name us the water stoppers … name us the plumbers. It’s going to be enjoyable.”

Transitioning from Erik Spoelstra to Nick Nurse as his head coach, Martin ought to be comfy switching routinely, taking part in zone, adapting on the fly and doing jobs that look daunting on paper.

“I believe simply the flexibility that I deliver,” Martin stated. “Not solely me, however we’ve obtained a whole lot of guys that may play a number of positions. I believe that’s what makes us a deep staff — and it goes again to being position-less, with the ability to guard one via 4. And I additionally assume being slightly extra vocal, as I used to be in Miami. I’m not too vocal off the court docket, however I believe on the court docket is slightly totally different for me.

“I communicate up quite a bit, and I similar to to determine issues out and I like to collaborate with my teammates. I need to attempt to construct management and intangibles as effectively … going into my sixth yr and having been on sure levels and had sure experiences. I’ll attempt to mix all that and instill all that in no matter position I’m taking part in.”