When the Philadelphia 76ers signed Caleb Martin to a four-year, $35 million contract this summer, it was regarded as one of the best value signings in free agency. I think most people viewed the Sixers’ projected starting lineup heading into the season as Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George, Martin, and Joel Embiid. Then, head coach Nick Nurse tinkered with a bunch of different lineups during the preseason, but with Embiid and George both sidelined for the regular season opener, it was a bit surprising to not see Caleb among the starting five. Nurse commented on it during pregame availability:
Nurse says that he thinks Caleb Martin is “definitely” one of their top five players and bringing him off of the bench is about the energy he brings and the look it gives them.