Caleb Martin of the Heat aims for a playoff family reunion: Winderman
As the Miami Heat came back home for Saturday’s Game 3 against the Celtics at Kaseya Center, it had already been a memorable postseason for Caleb Martin.
During the play-in round, his two missed free throws in Philadelphia resulted in fans at Wells Fargo Center receiving free chicken, providing the 76ers with momentum to overcome the Heat.
Then, in the Heat’s series opener against the Celtics, Martin’s intensity became a little too intense for Jayson Tatum, resulting in a hard foul that sparked searches for “Code Red” on Google.
While neither of these moments yielded the desired outcome, the 28-year-old swingman wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything in the world.
When you check the career statistics of the dynamic forward for the Miami Heat, Caleb Martin, you’ll find a separate tab detailing his 42 playoff games. These postseason appearances exclude play-in games, such as the recent ones against the 76ers or Bulls.
However, if you do the same for his twin brother, Cody Martin, there isn’t a playoffs tab. There haven’t been any playoff appearances for Cody, despite both brothers entering the NBA together in 2019, even though Cody was drafted and Caleb was not.
During the postseason, you’ll often find Cody waiting outside the Heat locker room, eagerly anticipating his brother’s games. It’s something Caleb hopes to reciprocate.
“It’s tough. It’s like a little bittersweet feeling when it comes to the 82 games, knowing that we’re still playing and he’s done,” Caleb said regarding the regular-season schedule, which has only been a finish line for Cody with the Charlotte Hornets. “He’s a competitor, too. I know my brother well. He’ll find a way to get there, too. So one way or another, he’ll find a way. I’m sure they’ll get it right.”
Despite the Hornets opting to move on from Caleb during the 2021 offseason to retain Cody, Caleb has made the playoffs each season since, including his recent games against the Celtics.
“I’m not in this position without certain strings being pulled. That certainly helps,” Caleb acknowledged, citing individuals like J. Cole who assisted in getting him a tryout with the Heat after he was waived by the Hornets. “But it was also doing my part. If I wasn’t able to contribute, I wouldn’t be here. So just finding a way, whatever that way is, I’ve been grateful to play after the 82 the last few seasons.”
Now, with increased responsibility due to the Heat’s depleted roster, Caleb is showcasing his skills ahead of his upcoming free agency this summer. Despite being aware of his complementary role, he embraces it.
“It’s a compliment to be able to fit around guys. It’s a lot harder, it’s different, it just depends. I love the way I’m able to fit,” he expressed. “Guys like me are needed across the league. That’s a fit for every team, that every team needs.”
In the meantime, he relishes the opportunity to match up against top players in the league and hopes to eventually share playoff moments with his brother outside a locker room, congratulating him on his achievements.
