CONGRATULATION: Kate Martin Has Been Recognized As The Best Basketball Player Of All Time, Receiving Different Award From……………….read more.
When the Las Vegas Aces faced the Chicago Sky on Sunday, fans were surprised to see Megan Gustafson in the starting lineup. Gustafson, who has played 27 games for the Aces but only started in one, has had a modest impact, primarily allowing A’ja Wilson to play in her preferred forward position while Gustafson takes on the center role. However, when Gustafson is not on the court, Wilson typically shifts to center, with Alysha Clark playing forward. Some fans believe that instead of starting Gustafson, head coach Becky Hammon should continue using Wilson as a center and bring Kate Martin into the starting five by replacing one of the guards. This would allow Wilson to remain in her preferred position, keep Clark in the lineup, and rest one of the guards.
While some fans support this idea, others argue against it, noting that Martin has only started one game this season and lacks the necessary experience. Essentially Sports analyzes the lineup to determine if Martin could be a viable starter in the upcoming game against the Dallas Wings, which is scheduled for Tuesday, just a few hours away.
Can Kate Martin start?
Currently aiming for a three-peat, the Aces hold fourth place in the league standings with an 18-11 record. Though they were early favorites to win the championship, the New York Liberty has outperformed them. With 11 games left, the Aces need to assert their dominance to be seen as serious contenders. A slight adjustment to their starting lineup could catch opponents off guard and be advantageous.
Martin has only started one game this season, back in June against the Los Angeles Sparks. In that game, she scored a respectable 13 points and helped the Aces narrow the gap in a close 96-92 loss. As a guard, she also recorded 4 rebounds and 3 assists, making a strong case for her inclusion in the starting five.
Given that Wilson is the team’s top scorer and rebounder, Martin could contribute as a third or fourth option. She could facilitate Wilson’s play, allowing the Aces to enhance their offensive game and win by larger margins. Martin’s ability to adapt without needing to take on an alpha role could be beneficial. However, her lack of starting experience is a drawback.
The downside to starting Kate Martin
The main downside of starting Martin is that it would require either Kelsey Plum or Chelsea Gray to be benched. While this could aid in player rotation, it might disrupt team dynamics, as both Gray and Plum are more experienced and have been integral to the team’s success. Gray, in particular, has excelled as both a facilitator and a leader, especially in high-pressure situations, which are qualities Martin has yet to demonstrate.
Therefore, while Martin could potentially start, it would only be advisable if Hammon is confident that she can deliver the same impact as Gray. Otherwise, it might be wiser to keep Martin as a bench player, rotating her in later in the game. As the Aces prepare to face the Wings, Hammon will likely weigh her options carefully, aiming to make the best decision for the team’s playoff ambitions.
