Sixers free agency: Cody Martin adds 3-and-D ability to the rotation
As the free agency period continues to come closer in the NBA, now is the time to look at some potential additions for the Philadelphia 76ers who will come cheap on the market. There are some helpful players on the free-agent market who will help Joel Embiid and James Harden right away as they continue on their title chase.
At the moment, the Sixers have the $6.4 million taxpayer mid-level exception to use, but they could open the full $10.3 million mid-level exception if they waive Danny Green, who will miss a good portion of the 2022-23 season.
Therefore, president Daryl Morey and co. will have to look for cheap options that will fit their roster. Sixers Wire has already listed five options who will fit in free agency, but it’s time for some deep dives continuing with Cody Martin:
3-point shooting
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Martin became a much better and more willing 3-point shooter in the 2021-22 season. He shot 38.4% from deep which is up from 27.6% in the 2020-21 season and he also took 2.2 triples per game which is up from 1.1 in the previous season. To play on the Sixers, one has to be a willing 3-point shooter when he gets the opportunity and this is a situation that would fit both Martin and the Sixers.
He does the little things
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Martin is exactly the type of player the Sixers need off their bench. He does all of the little things, he has a “dawg” mentality on the floor, he rebounds well at 4.0 per game, and he also averaged 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals this previous season in Charlotte. Philadelphia needs somebody who does the things not seen in a box score and Martin fits that mold in a big way.
Martin could slip away from Hornets
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The Hornets like Martin a lot. They bumped his minutes up to 26.3 per game, and he rewarded their trust with career bests across the board. He is a restricted free agent, meaning Charlotte can match any offer for him. However, the Hornets have already paid Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward and are preparing to pay Miles Bridges in 2022. Then there is the inevitable LaMelo Ball extension. All that might mean Martin slips away, and the Sixers could swoop in to grab him. He would be an excellent addition to a bench that needs some help.
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